Alcohol Abstinence Prediction on the Basis of Conservation of Resources Theory by Stevan E. Hobfoll a Study of Polish Alcohol-Dependent Persons in the Early Phase of Recovery

Abstract

Striving for permanent alcohol abstinence can be difficult to achieve or even impossible, which in turn often results in discontinuation of treatment. The main area of interest among researchers dealing with the problem of alcohol dependence is the ability to maintain abstinence. Despite numerous studies in this area, there is still no unambiguous data on the factors affecting the recovery process of alcohol-dependent persons. The main goal of this publication is to present the Conservation of Resources Theory (COR) by S. Hobfoll as an alternative concept to understanding alcohol dependence and to answer whether maintaining abstinence can be predicted, and what kind of resources play a key role in alcohol dependence recovery. A series of two comparisons of independent variables (level, gain and loss of resources) were made in the first and sixth month after the beginning of therapy. Questionnaire longitudinal studies of 350 alcohol-dependent persons were used. Research results show that distribution of resources is of great significance in maintaining abstinence. It is important for the alcohol-dependent person’s recovery process to have the opportunity to gain resources. Experiencing loss of resources in the beginning of treatment often determines their return to drinking. The project provides empirical support for research on the role of supportive factors in an alcohol-dependent person’s recovery process.