HELP-SEEKING AND RECOVERY BY PROBLEM DRINKERS - CHARACTERISTICS OF DRINKERS WHO ATTENDED ALCOHOLICS-ANONYMOUS OR FORMAL TREATMENT OR WHO RECOVERED WITHOUT ASSISTANCE

Most problem drinkers do not seek formal treatment, yet some achieve p roblem resolution without it. This research investigated variables rel ated to help-seeking and to long-term drinking outcomes in a 3 x 2 fac torial design, using 126 problem drinkers who varied in their help-see king history (no assistance, A.A. only, or treatment plus A.A.) and cu rrent drinking status (abstinent more than 6 months or engaging in pro blem drinking). Dependent variables included alcohol-related negative consequences, dependence symptoms, drinking patterns, other drug use, and demographic characteristics. Formal treatment utilization was asso ciated with greater psychosocial dysfunction, especially in interperso nal relationships, and with greater nonprescribed drug use. Alcohol de pendence levels were not related to help-seeking, but higher levels we re associated with an abstinent drinking status. Abstinent subjects al so showed some evidence of greater social stability, but demographic v ariables, including gender, did not otherwise differentiate the groups . These findings suggest that help-seeking and attainment of abstinenc e are somewhat independent processes, but that both relate more to the functional consequences of problem drinking than to stable drinker ch aracteristics.