A follow‐up study of Asian problem drinkers

Abstract

This is a follow-up study of 70 patients referred for treatment of drinking problems. At the end of 12 months, it was found that 60% remained in abstinence, 8.5% social drinking, 28.5% relapsed or defaulted and 3% died. A poor outcome was observed in patients between 20 and 39 years old as compared to those between 40 and 59 years old. Patients with SADQ scores of less than 20 had good outcomes. However, there was no significant difference between Indian and Chinese patients. Marital status and social class were not useful predictors of outcome.