The effect of an orientation-to-treatment group on the retention of alcoholics in outpatient treatment.

Seventy-five poor inner city alcoholics were exposed to a 1/2-hour videotape orienting them to treatment. When compared to a similar group that did not see the videotape, the orientation group attended more clinic sessions in the following month. A greater percentage of them made more than 10 visits, were still active after the month, and went on to inpatient rehabilitation. The orientation group is an effective, cost efficient way of increasing patient follow through with treatment.