Alcoholism treatment outcome studies, 1980-1992: the nature of the research.

We reviewed 339 alcoholism treatment outcome studies reported between 1980 and 1992. After comparing single and multiple treatment group studies, we focus on multiple-group studies, examining and comparing principal investigator and study characteristics, patient characteristics, treatment modalities and characteristics, and follow-up points and outcome variables in published and unpublished studies. This article provides an overview of the nature of the alcoholism treatment outcome research reported in the English language over the 13-year review period.