Life-stress events, depression and purpose-in-life in first-admission alcoholics and members of Alcoholics Anonymous.

The relationship between alcoholism, depression, life-stress events and purpose-in-life is a very complex one. Thirty-five first admission alcoholics and an equal number of members of Alcoholics Anonymous were assessed, using objective measures of alcoholism, depression, stress and purpose-in-life. The results indicate that there were significant differences between the two groups on drinking behaviour, depression and purpose-in-life. No differences were found between the groups on the stress questionnaire. Positive correlations were found between drinking behaviour and depression, life events and purpose-in-life.