Predictors of 2-year drinking outcomes in a Swedish treatment sample

Background: Few studies have investigated predictors of short- and longer-term outcomes in relatively well functioning treatment samples. Methods: Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of continuous abstinence in 188 individuals during their 2nd year after private 12-step treatment in Sweden, and findings are related to a previous report on 1-year outcomes. Results: Individual baseline characteristics were not directly related to 2nd year outcomes, while a higher 1st-year drinking severity decreased the likelihood of 2nd-year abstinence. Satisfaction with treatment and affiliation with Alcoholics Anonymous, but not program aftercare during the 1st year increased the likelihood of 2nd-year abstinence. Conclusion: Results are consistent with previous studies showing that shorter-term outcomes are likely to be maintained, and that baseline characteristics and treatment factors account less for outcomes over longer terms. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.