Abstract:
This study describes a 25-year follow-up of 96 patients who underwent a combined in- and outpatient alcoholism treatment in the year 1976 at the University Hospital for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy in Tübingen. A follow-up of the same group had already been carried out two, five, ten and 16 years after treatment.
The investigation of drinking-patterns was a main focus of the interview. To comprehend the life situation of the patients in the best possible way, spheres, such as social situation, occupation and health status were also investigated.
Of the 56 surviving patients data was received from more than 90%; a personal interview was carried out with 46 persons (82%), information on 5 patients was given by a relative.
During the 12 months before the interview 33 patients (34% of the overall group) were abstinent, 23 patients (41%) were classified as relapsed. 40 persons (42%) had died, 70% of whom had relapsed.Among the abstinent persons, 17 (18%) had been abstinent since treatment, seven others (7%) had been abstinent for at least 20 years.
The group of relapsed persons can be divided into eight persons with an improved drinking pattern, ten persons with an unchanged drinking pattern and five persons who could not be followed up.
Contrary to preceding follow-ups, no significant relation between prognostic criteria at the start of treatment and the present drinking pattern could be confirmed in this follow-up.
During the first two years after treatment the probability of a relapse was at its highest. However, it could be shown that even after 24 years of abstinence a relapse is still possible.
The use of inpatient or outpatient aftercare facilities decreased in comparison to former follow-ups. For many patients their general practitioner played an important role in outpatient aftercare, ten patients regularly took part in a self-help group.
The exact course of individual patients with regard to their drinking patterns and other areas of life over the whole period since treatment is shown in detailed life chart graphs.