Medical Health Encyclopedia

A 2001 analysis of studies reported that 25% of people were continuously abstinent following treatment, and another 10% used alcohol moderately and without problems. Even among the remaining group, alcohol consumption was reduced by an average of 87%. Most studies strongly suggest that intensive and prolonged treatment is important for successful recovery, whether the patient is treated within or outside a treatment center.

Certain factors play a role in success or failure. Patients from low-income groups tend to have worse results in general. Their difficulties are often intensified by lack of insurance, low self-esteem, and minimal social support.

Treating People Who Have Both Alcoholism and Health Problems

Severe alcoholism is often complicated by the presence of serious medical illnesses. People with alcoholism should try at least to maintain a healthy diet and take vitamin supplements. Such deficiencies are a major cause of health problems in people with alcoholism. Women are particularly endangered.

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A program called integrated outpatient treatment (IOT) may be specifically helpful for medically ill alcoholics. The patient visits a clinic once a month and receives both intensive alcohol treatment and a physical check-up, which includes tracking factors, such as liver function, that are affected by drinking. One study showed that IOT significantly increased abstinence and the number of treatment visits. IOT may even improve survival rates. Interestingly, however, drinking also significantly decreased in a comparison group of patients who were treated only for their medical conditions.

Treating People Who Have Both Alcoholism and Mental Illness

Treatment for patients with both alcoholism and mental illness is particularly difficult. The greater the psychiatric distress a person is experiencing, the more he or she is tempted to drink, particularly in negative situations.