Factors which characterized alcoholics who successfully completed a residential treatment program

The purpose of this study was to identify factors which differentiated between alcoholics who successfully completed a 10-week residential treatment program and those who did not. Data were collected from Camarillo State Hospital's Alcoholism Treatment Unit, a state hospital servicing Los Angeles County with eight referral sources within the county. Data were obtained from patient medical records.

Patients were classified in terms of six categories of completion which were reduced to two categories of "successful" or "unsuccessful." Generally successful completion was related to the following: employment history, involvement in psychotherapy and environmental milieu, and attendance of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Successful completion was also associated with being diagnosed as either "good," "fair," or "poor" on DSMIII Axis V, level of adaptive functioning, as opposed to being diagnosed either "very poor" or "grossly impaired." Although not statistically significant, sex, marital status, high levels of education, and now or once married, were associated with successful com-pletion. Indications were that women and non-whites tended to be more successful than while males, but the numbers of women and non-whites (especially blacks) were too small for any definite statements.

The findings have implications for future program planning in terms of financial expenditures and admission policies. The program completers were clearly distinguishable by (1) employment stability and (2) a higher level of participation in therapeutic and hospital activities.

Money spent for treatment in this program should be directed to-ward those patients showing highest motivation, compliance, or cooperation. Employment history, educational level, having been married, and possibly being female and non-white may all identify high probability for completion of the program. Group psychotherapy, patient government, and AA should be emphasized as major components, and patients should be encouraged to engage in all available activities, especially AA meetings since these can be a strong source of support after discharge.