Constance Weisner1, Kevin Delucchi, Helen Matzger, Laura Schmidt. 1. Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Avenue, Box F-0984, San Francisco, California 94143-0984, USA. conniew@lppi.ucsf.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine how informal support and community services impact the course of alcohol disorders by examining the trajectories of alcohol consumption over 5 years in dependent and problem drinkers. METHOD: Alcohol dependent adults (n = 600) and problem drinkers (n = 992) were identified through probability surveys in the general population and in public and private treatment programs throughout a California county. Participants were interviewed at baseline and again 1, 3 and 5 years later. Models controlling for demographic characteristics, problem severity, community services and recovery-oriented social networks were estimated, using a multi-level, mixed model to predict alcohol consumption over time. RESULTS: A significant trend of reduced drinking over time was observed for both dependent and problem drinkers. Recovery-oriented social networks and AA participation predicted decreased consumption for both groups. Contacts with medical, mental health, welfare and legal systems were predictive of reduced consumption for problem drinkers. In the dependent group, only contacts with mental health agencies marginally predicted decreased consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Findings point to the importance of developing mechanisms for better identifying problem drinkers in the course of contacts with health and social service systems and for facilitating use of self-help groups and positive changes in social networks. Development of recovery-oriented social networks should be emphasized to extend the benefits of treatment for dependent individuals.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine how informal support and community services impact the course of alcohol disorders by examining the trajectories of alcohol consumption over 5 years in dependent and problem drinkers. METHOD:Alcohol dependent adults (n = 600) and problem drinkers (n = 992) were identified through probability surveys in the general population and in public and private treatment programs throughout a California county. Participants were interviewed at baseline and again 1, 3 and 5 years later. Models controlling for demographic characteristics, problem severity, community services and recovery-oriented social networks were estimated, using a multi-level, mixed model to predict alcohol consumption over time. RESULTS: A significant trend of reduced drinking over time was observed for both dependent and problem drinkers. Recovery-oriented social networks and AA participation predicted decreased consumption for both groups. Contacts with medical, mental health, welfare and legal systems were predictive of reduced consumption for problem drinkers. In the dependent group, only contacts with mental health agencies marginally predicted decreased consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Findings point to the importance of developing mechanisms for better identifying problem drinkers in the course of contacts with health and social service systems and for facilitating use of self-help groups and positive changes in social networks. Development of recovery-oriented social networks should be emphasized to extend the benefits of treatment for dependent individuals.
Authors: Shelly F Greenfield; Audrey J Brooks; Susan M Gordon; Carla A Green; Frankie Kropp; R Kathryn McHugh; Melissa Lincoln; Denise Hien; Gloria M Miele Journal: Drug Alcohol Depend Date: 2006-06-08 Impact factor: 4.492
Authors: Kamilla L Venner; Helen Matzger; Alyssa A Forcehimes; Rudolf H Moos; Sarah W Feldstein; Mark L Willenbring; Constance Weisner Journal: Alcohol Clin Exp Res Date: 2006-06 Impact factor: 3.455
Authors: José M Calderón; Rafaela R Robles; Juan C Reyes; Tomás D Matos; Juan L Negrón; Miguel A Cruz Journal: P R Health Sci J Date: 2009-12 Impact factor: 0.705