Initial Preference for Drinking Goal in the Treatment of Alcohol Problems: II. Treatment Outcomes

Methods: Outcomes at 3 and 12 months' follow-up were recorded both in categorical terms (abstinence/non-problem drinking/much improved/somewhat improved/same/worse) and on continuous measures (percent days abstinent, drinks per drinking day/dependence score). Results: Clients initially stating a preference for abstinence showed a better outcome than those stating a preference for non-abstinence. This superior outcome was clearer at 3 months' follow-up but still evident at 12 months' follow-up. The better outcome consisted almost entirely in a greater frequency of abstinent days, with only a modest benefit in drinking intensity for goal abstainers that disappeared when baseline covariates of goal preference were controlled for. Type of successful outcome (abstinence/non-problem drinking) was related to initial goal preference, with clients preferring abstinence more likely to obtain an abstinent outcome and those preferring non-abstinence a non-problem drinking outcome. Conclusion: The client's personal drinking goals should be discussed in assessment at treatment entry and as a basis for negotiation. Clinicians should be prepared to identify and support goal change as an unexceptional part of the treatment process that need not jeopardize good outcome.