Addictive behaviors and life problems before and after behavioral treatment of problem drinkers

Abstract

The broader impact of a behavioral self-control training intervention focusing on the reduction of alcohol consumption was examined in a sample of 93 problem drinkers (55 male). Individual life problems were assessed via the method of goal attainment scaling before and after treatment and at 3–6 months, 12 months and 24 months following termination. Alcohol and drug use, smoking and weight were also evaluated. At intake, women were more likely than men to be unmarried, married to a problem drinking spouse, or taking psychoactive prescription medication but less likely to be using illicit drugs, smoking or gambling. For both men and women negative emotional states and family discord headed the list of current life problems. Although intervention focused primarily on drinking behavior, the majority of other life problems also showed improvement at all follow-up points. Remission of life problems was associated with decreased alcohol consumption. Body weight tended to increase slightly after treatment but typically returned to or below baseline by later follow-ups. Overall rates of drug use and smoking showed little change; however, smoking cessation was associated with successful control or cessation of alcohol use and relapse to smoking coincided with unremitted drinking. Implications for treatment are considered.