COMMUNITY PSYCHIATRIC-NURSE AFTERCARE FOR ALCOHOLICS - A 5-YEAR FOLLOW-UP-STUDY

The aim of this study was to determine if community psychiatric nurse (CPN) aftercare for 1 year improved the 5-year outcome in patients fol lowing inpatient treatment for alcohol dependence. A 5-year follow-up study, observer blind, with non-random allocation of subjects to after care by CPN for 1 year or standard outpatient care, was used. Subjects had all received inpatient treatment for 6 weeks in a rural alcohol t reatment unit. Subjects were traced and assessed in the community 5 ye ars after the index admission. The participants consisted of 127 white male alcoholics. All were first admissions, who had been selected for inpatient treatment and who completed a 6-week inpatient stay. Sevent y-three subjects received intensive aftercare by CPN for 1 year, 54 su bjects received standard outpatient appointments not due to random all ocation but because no CPN was available. Data were collected by semi- structured interview at entry to the trial, namely background epidemio logical information, details of drinking history, previous hospital ad mission, educational, employment and criminal information. At 5-year f ollow-up, data an drinking status, use of other drugs, hospital admiss ions, criminal behaviour and gambling, attendance at self-help groups, relationships and employment were collected. Thirty-six per cent of t he CPN aftercare group was completely abstinent during the 5 years aft er treatment compared to 6% of the standard aftercare group (p < 0.001 ). Subjects receiving CPN aftercare were less Rely to report blackouts (p < 0.05) or gambling (p < 0.05). They were more likely to attend ho spital meetings (p < 0.0001). CPN aftercare is an effective way of max imizing the effects of inpatient treatment. The effects endured for 5 years after treatment.