Objective: The present study examined quality of life of alcoholic women in
detoxification. The study aimed at providing data in line with a so-called
subject oriented evaluation and at finding ways for improving clinical car
e. Methods: 70 alcoholic women were asked about their quality of life and a
bout their need for qualities help. A follow-up study, six months later, ex
amined the extent of relapse. Results: Alcoholic women differ in their subj
ective quality of life. Subgroups, which differ regarding the structure of
quality of life, also vary in age, job situation and finances, age of admis
sion and their view on their alcohol dependence. They differ in their needs
, too. Subjective quality of life predicts relapse. Conclusions: The findin
gs suggest that subjective quality of life may be useful evaluation criteri
on. The assessment of quality of life may yield useful hints for therapeuti
c interventions.