Drinking goal selection and treatment outcome in out‐patients with mild‐moderate alcohol dependence

Abstract

Selection of drinking goal is examined at baseline, post-treatment and at 6 months follow-up for a sample of mild moderate alcohol-dependent out-patients. Drinking goal is identified as abstinent or controlled drinking, with the latter group being asked to further specify per session and per week drinking limits. Group comparisons for drinking goal post-treatment show those who were not assigned motivational enhancement therapy, had more drinking days and lower scores on the Alcohol Problems Questionnaire and Internal Motivation were more likely to choose controlled drinking. The only variable to predict independently whether or not the controlled drinking goal was within the promoted drinking guidelines was age, with younger participants more likely to choose a goal above this limit. Goal selection was significantly related to drinking outcome, with those aiming to drink within guidelines having better outcome than those aiming for higher limits. There was no significant difference in drinking outcome category when those aiming for within limits were compared to those aiming for abstinence. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.[Adamson SJ, Sellman JD. Drinking goal selection and treatment outcome in out-patients with mild moderate alcohol dependence. Drug Alcohol Rev 2001;20:351 359]

Alcohol Treatment Goal Choice Predicts Longitudinal Drinking Outcomes in Adolescent Substance Users

“…Consistent with predictions, adolescents who chose TA reported more motivation to abstain, greater confidence in their ability to abstain, and a greater PDA upon initiating treatment compared to adolescents choosing a CU goal. These findings are consistent with baseline differences reported in adult populations (Adamson & Sellman, 2001; Heather et al, 2010).…”

“…Typically, adults in treatment for AUD more often choose TA over CU as a treatment goal (54%−82% of sample) when a choice of goal is offered (Al-Otaiba, Worden, McCrady, & Epstein, 2008; Dunn & Strain, 2013; Heather, Adamson, Raistrick, & Slegg, 2010; Hodgins, Leigh, Milne, & Gerrish, 1997; Öjehagen & Berglund, 1989; Pachman, Foy, & Van Erd, 1978). Several baseline characteristics have emerged as consistent differences between TA and CU groups; CU adults typically have less severe AUD and are less likely to have prior treatment experience (Al-Otaiba et al, 2008; Booth, Dale, & Ansari, 1984; Heather et al, 2010; Adamson & Sellman, 2001; Mowbray et al, 2013; Pachman et al, 1978). Similarly, researchers have been able to predict CU goal choice based on less severe AUD, less treatment experience, and lower motivation at baseline (Adamson & Sellman, 2001; DeMartini et al, 2014; Heather et al, 2010).…”

“…Several baseline characteristics have emerged as consistent differences between TA and CU groups; CU adults typically have less severe AUD and are less likely to have prior treatment experience (Al-Otaiba et al, 2008; Booth, Dale, & Ansari, 1984; Heather et al, 2010; Adamson & Sellman, 2001; Mowbray et al, 2013; Pachman et al, 1978). Similarly, researchers have been able to predict CU goal choice based on less severe AUD, less treatment experience, and lower motivation at baseline (Adamson & Sellman, 2001; DeMartini et al, 2014; Heather et al, 2010). Overall, research in adults suggests that differences exist at baseline between TA and CU groups in clinically significant variables (e.g.…”

What do elderly problem drinkers aim for? Choice of goal for treatment among elderly treatment-seeking alcohol-dependent patients

“…There is a lack of consensus regarding whether or not a goal of controlled drinking leads to successful treatment outcomes (Adamson & Sellman, 2001). Although it has been the topic of some (academic) debate whether controlled drinking should serve as a goal in alcohol treatment (Marlatt, 2001a(Marlatt, , 2001bOwen, 2001aOwen, , 2001b, in practice, "controlled drinking" has long been accepted as a treatment goal alongside a goal of temporary or permanent abstinence within the public-funded alcohol treatment centres in Denmark (Elmeland, 2015).…”

Treatment of Pathological Gambling Using a Guided Self-Change Approach

“…In identifying their own goals, the clients become involved in the treatment process and in enacting change. As changes in goals are likely to occur during treatment (Adamson & Sellman, 2001;Hodgins, Currie, & el-Guebaly, 2001), the clients are asked each week to reconsider their goals.…”