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.