Alcohol Relapses Associated with September 11, 2001: A Case Report

Abstract

The timing of the terrible events of September 11, 2001 (9-11), and an ongoing randomized clinical trial of case monitoring have allowed a prospective examination of the effects of trauma upon the relapse rates of a group of clients following alcohol detoxification. The clients studied in this report were enrolled in case monitoring prior to 9-11. Case monitoring consists of telephone contacts on a tapering schedule designed to help clients avoid relapses, reduce the severity of relapses that do occur, and get clients back into treatment, at less intense levels, than would occur without case monitoring. For those clients completing a telephone contact before and a telephone contact after 9-11, none of the clients drank between detox discharge and 9-11, while 42% drank by the first telephone contact after 9-11. Data from another study were analyzed and results counter the rival hypothesis that the case monitoring study results reflect an annual seasonal effect. Results suggest that terrorist events may lead to a greater likelihood of relapse for those in alcohol recovery. These effects may be ameliorated by public education and outreach.