Advice Versus Extended Treatment for Alcoholism: a controlled study

Abstract

Summary One hundred and fifty‐two attenders at an alcohol problems clinic were randomly allocated to one session of advice or extended in or outpatient treatment. Two years later, the group who were offered extended treatment were functioning better, in that over the year prior to the independently conducted follow‐up interview they had accumulated less harm from their drinking than those only treated briefly. Abstinence was not, however, more common in patients offered extended treatment. In the group of 94 patients given advice only, no advantage in amplifying the session of advice could be demonstrated.