INITIAL RESULTS OF AN AUTOCONTROL PROGRAM FOR PROBLEM ALCOHOLICS IN MEXICO

The search for effective treatment models for individuals with alcohol related problems has been a growing concern of the health authorities at an international level due to the recent evidence that the traditi onal therapeutic approaches have been generally ineffective. The prese nt study reports the initial results of the aplication of a guided sel f-management outpatient treatment program with a sample of 108 problem drinkers in Mexico City. This cognitive-behavioral treatment program is characterized by a brief intervention, in which the client selects the treatment goal of moderation or abstinence and where the responsib ility for carrying on the process of change rests with in the client. When comparing the pattern of alcohol consumption of this group of pro blem drinkers prior to treatment and during treatment shows an increas e in the percent of days they remain abstinent and a decrease in the n umber of drinks during the days they drink, as well as in the percent of days in which excessive drinking occurs. These results are similar to those reported in other countries when using this model of treatmen t. The implications of these results are discussed in terms of the nee d to modify the public health policy so that it reflects a contemporar y and scientific point of view of the phenomena of alcoholism and so t hat it promotes prevention and treatment actions directed to that nucl eus of the population (e.g. problem drinkers) that shows the greatest proportion of alcohol related problems and has the highest probability of responding successfully to treatment.