Factors Inducing Alcohol Seeking Behaviors in Patients Dependent on Alcohol-A Case-control Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Context: Alcohol use has increased to the extent that it has become a menace to society. There are certain external or social factors which linger an individual around alcohol despite efforts to cut its consumption. Furthermore, the ingrained factors as an individual’s personality and associated comorbid psychiatric disorders render alcohol-seeking behaviors. These factors further lead to problems in help-seeking, adjustment in society, and continuation of treatment. Although studies in the past have highlighted these risk factors, this study was conducted to understand the role of social factors, personality, and simultaneously occurring illness in patients of alcohol dependence with healthy controls. Aim: The aim of this study was to study the factors inducing alcohol-seeking behaviors in patients dependent on alcohol. Settings and Design: This case–control study was conducted among 100 male patients. It included 50 patients diagnosed with alcohol use disorder and other 50 patients as healthy controls. Subjects and Methods: Participants were assessed clinically and the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment of Alcohol Scale-Revised scale, Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test, Mini-international neuropsychiatric interview, and International Personality Disorder Evaluation scales were administered. Statistical Analysis: A Chi-square test was applied for the categorical variable. Univariate linear regression was done for the independent variable. Results: Marital status, occupation, and residential area significantly affect alcohol use behavior. Affective disorders (22%) were the most common comorbidity and dissocial personality disorders (24%) were most prevalent. Conclusions: While addressing the issues related to dependence a focused approach including social, biological, and psychological factors must be considered.