Examining The Effectiveness of Community-based DE-Addiction Camps among Adults with Alcohol Problems in Rural India

India has reported higher alcohol per capita consumption and problem use in the past. Per the 2005-06 NFHS-3, problem use has been disproportionately high among men, less educated people, those living in rural areas and lower socioeconomic groups. Despite the growing problem, the data available on the effectiveness alcohol treatment services is very limited. The proposed study intends to address this gap by analyzing the treatment outcome (i.e., complete abstinence) among adult users participating in de-addiction camps and the impact of various individual and environmental factors on alcohol use and treatment outcome. Data (N=176) was collected on adult alcohol users participating in treatment camps conducted in Manjakkudi village of Tamil Nadu between 2004 and 2009 by the T.T. Ranganathan Clinical Research Foundation (TTK center), a renowned non-profit organization. Treatment outcome and impact of various factors (AOI, ACEs, religiosity, family h/o addiction, other drug use, and relationship with family members) on the baseline alcohol use and outcome was analyzed using the advanced statistical methods of Structural Equation Modeling. As expected, heavy alcohol use was common among the sample. Almost 44% of the sample reported consuming 12 standard drinks per day. In addition, 83% of the patients scored high on the SADD scale indicating high alcohol dependence. Nearly, half (49%) of the population had a positive history of family addiction and more than half of the sample (66%) reported one or more ACEs. Nearly, 68% of the patients reported being sober at the end of 12 months’ post treatment. A total number of ACEs and supportive relationships with family members were found to influence the treatment outcome. Consistent with the literature, AOI was found to be associated with baseline alcohol use. By contrast, alcohol use was found to be higher among those who reported no tobacco use. Findings of this study indicate that trends of substance abuse are shifting in India and it is important to tailor the education and preventive efforts towards a younger population. In addition to patients, treatment providers should consider educating friends and family members to increase the support during the treatment process and guarantee long-lasting treatment effect