Replicable abstinence rates in an alcoholism treatment program.

Treatment outcome studies of alcoholism have historically had innumerable difficulties and controversy. Few investigators ever have reported a replication of their initial study results, let alone the crossvalidation of such initial results. This article provides results of a four-year replication study of a medical behavioral treatment approach. Comparisons of patients receiving a uniform treatment were made at yearly intervals. A few variables are identified to clarify who will or will not achieve and maintain follow-up sobriety, although it is admitted that our knowledge in this area is still rudimentary. These results affirm for the practitioner today that the alcoholic patient is treatable with a high probability of success. When the outcome of treatment is positive, the diagnosis and referral become crucial for alcoholism just as for other treatable diseases.