Changes in alcohol expectancies and drinking behavior among treated problem drinkers.

Research on alcohol expectancies among clinical populations has not focused on the extent to which changes in alcohol expectancies correspond to changes in drinking. In this investigation, male and female problem drinkers participating in an outpatient treatment focused on drinking reduction techniques provided data on drinking behavior and alcohol expectancies at pretreatment, posttreatment and at an 18-month follow-up. Results showed a significant relationship between decreases in alcohol expectancies and decreased drinking. Decreases in alcohol expectancies were not found over the course of the 8-week treatment, but instead at the 18-month follow-up. Implications and future research needs are discussed.