COPING METHODS AND REASONS FOR NOT DRINKING

Methods for coping with stress and reasons for not drinking were exami ned among abstinent alcoholics to determine whether change occurred wi th length of sobriety. Results showed that 1) alcoholics with briefer abstinence relied more heavily on coping methods, 2) alcoholics relied less on negative than positive coping methods regardless of length of sobriety, and 3) the number and types of reasons for not drinking did not vary with length of sobriety, rather, several positive reasons fo r not drinking continued as motivators. Concerning coping methods, the authors speculate that as alcoholics remain sober longer, coping meth ods become less important or automatic and less conscious.