Follow-up study of young attenders at an alcohol unit.

A follow-up study of all under 21 year olds satisfying DSM-III-R criteria for alcohol dependence treated as in-patients at an alcohol treatment unit over a 10-year period was conducted. A total of 52 individuals were identified and of these 80% (44) were traced. The mean period of follow-up was just over 4 years. A poor outcome (no abstinence or controlled drinking for the past 6 months) was adjudged in 61.4% (27) of the cases. This was associated with indicators of early personality difficulties and unsatisfactory schooling experiences. There was considerable concurrent illicit drug use associated with continuing problem drinking. Both good and poor outcome groups initially had striking forensic histories and significant differences developed over the follow-up period with the poor outcome group continuing to have marked legal problems. In addition the poor outcome group continued to make heavy demands on the medical services over the period. One person died from an alcohol related cause. Greater attention to the specific needs of this group is required and specialized treatment units for young problem drinkers is suggested.