DETERMINANTS OF SUGGESTIONS FOR ALCOHOL TREATMENT

Entry to treatment is often precipitated by suggestions or pressure fr om relatives or friends, but we know little of the circumstances in wh ich suggestions to cut down on drinking include advice to seek profess ional help. In 1993, 1034 Ontario adults were asked in a random digit dialling telephone survey if they had said something to a friend or re lative about their drinking, or suggested they cut down. About 35% had said something within the last year, and 15% had taken the further st ep of suggesting they seek professional help or helping them get assis tance. Respondents were asked a series of questions about the circumst ances of the most recent time they had said something to the person. W hether respondents who said something recommended seeking professional help is related to these circumstances, and to the respondent's demog raphics and relationship to the drinker.