G Bischof1, H J Rumpf, U Hapke, C Meyer, U John. 1. Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University Greifswald, Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Germany. bischof.g@psychiatry.mu-Luebeck.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Research on natural recovery from alcohol dependence has focused mainly on triggering mechanisms of the remission process. Only a few studies have considered maintenance factors of natural recovery. METHODS: In the present study, 93 natural remitters and 42 self-help group participants were compared. Both groups remitted from alcohol dependence according to DSM-IV criteria. Several alcohol-related variables and maintenance factors of the remission process were assessed in a personal interview by using standardized questionnaires. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis that focused on maintenance factors showed that, independent from direct self-help group context, self-help group attendees informed more individuals about their former alcohol problems and sought social support more often as a coping strategy to deal with craving. No further group differences could be identified. CONCLUSIONS: Self-help group participants revealed a higher social engagement to maintain their recovery. Besides this major difference, data support the assumption that more commonalities than differences exist within successful recoveries from alcohol dependence, independent of help-seeking status.
BACKGROUND: Research on natural recovery from alcohol dependence has focused mainly on triggering mechanisms of the remission process. Only a few studies have considered maintenance factors of natural recovery. METHODS: In the present study, 93 natural remitters and 42 self-help group participants were compared. Both groups remitted from alcohol dependence according to DSM-IV criteria. Several alcohol-related variables and maintenance factors of the remission process were assessed in a personal interview by using standardized questionnaires. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis that focused on maintenance factors showed that, independent from direct self-help group context, self-help group attendees informed more individuals about their former alcohol problems and sought social support more often as a coping strategy to deal with craving. No further group differences could be identified. CONCLUSIONS: Self-help group participants revealed a higher social engagement to maintain their recovery. Besides this major difference, data support the assumption that more commonalities than differences exist within successful recoveries from alcohol dependence, independent of help-seeking status.
Authors: Lynn Owens; Graham Butcher; Ian Gilmore; Ruwanthi Kolamunnage-Dona; James Oyee; Liz Perkins; Tom Walley; Paula Williamson; Ken Wilson; Munir Pirmohamed Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2011-07-04 Impact factor: 3.295