Changes in Drinking Behaviour, Employment Status and other Life Areas for Employed Alcoholics Three, Six and Twelve Months after Treatment

Abstract

The study examined the treatment results with 365 clients who had participated in a multi-modal, behaviourally oriented treatment program. The program involved an intensive three week residential phase and a one year out-patient phase. Seventy-nine percent of the clients sought treatment after confrontation by their employers over inadequate job performance. At the end of the one year out-patient period, 79% had retained their jobs, only 13% had been fired, and 62% showed significant improvement in their drinking behaviour. Some improvement was shown on tests measuring various aspects of psychosocial functioning by virtually all clients, and most of the clients' supervisors reported marked improvement in work performance.