OBJECTIVE: The evaluation of adherence to treatment has been considered an objective and versatile alternative to alcoholism treatment result assessment. The purpose of this study is to identify factors associated with adherence to an outpatient alcoholism treatment program. METHOD: This study included 300 alcoholic patients that concluded the program assessment stage. Crosstabs were performed to verify the association of adherence to treatment on all other (more than 1,000) variables in the data bank. Statistical significance was given by Pearson's Qui-square test (p < 0.1). RESULTS: Among variables with a positive association to adherence were: to have children and stable matrimonial relationship; affirm psychological problems; lately noticed forgetfulness and weakness; felt irritability when drunk, consuming it alone; present a psychiatric comorbidity; had already looked for alcoholism treatment, got help from AA, psychiatric treatment and made use of antidepressants; etc. Negative associations were: reduced consumption due to family influence; felt self-sufficiency, expansive and unsatisfied while sober; self-sufficient or resigned when under alcohol; first consumptions above group's average age; involved in physical aggression with friends; etc. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the need of developing particular therapeutic strategies to address specific groups of patients and also contribute to the simplification of alcoholism assessment routines.
Alcoholism; adherence; alcoholics assessment; diagnosis
