Variables associated with alcoholics' long term treatment success

This study investigated demographic and personality variables, that counselors used in the selection of alcoholics for long term treatment and compared the completion rate for this group against completion rates reported in past studies, in order to determine if certain personality variables are associated with completion. The MMPI, Survey of Drinking Patterns and Effects, and a demographic questionnaire was administered to 355 lower class and "skid row" inpatient alcoholics from a North Tucson alcoholism treatment center. Results showed that counselors selection judgements approximated the characteristics of alcoholics who had completed long term treatment programs in past studies. Completion rates for this group studied were found to be moderately high compared to past studies. It was concluded that certain biographical and psychological variables can be used as selection criteria for determining alcoholics long term treatment completion. Implications for these findings are discussed