New possibilities in therapy and rehabilitation of alcohol dependent patients. Catamnestic study of the efficacy of ambulatory withdrawal therapy exemplified by a model facility

We report on catamnestic and clinical results of a 18-24 month follow-up study of 65 alcohol-dependent patients who in 1992-1994 took part in an 8-month outpatient treatment programme. The psychotherapeutic concept of this treatment facility is described. 51 of the 65 patients who had participated in the programme could be subsequently personally interviewed, 7 patients refused to take part, 6 could not be reached and 1 had died. 40 of the 51 patients had properly completed the outpatient treatment. Assuming that all patients who could not be interviewed or refused, were relapsers the abstinence rate was found to be 48% (n = 31). Although selective factors may contribute to this result, the clinical findings so far seem to indicate that outpatient treatment for alcoholics is a promising new therapeutic approach in the treatment of alcoholism. Further studies are needed to assess the possible benefits and the indications for this outpatient treatment in greater detail.