Treatment success at one year reduces death rate from alcohol problems

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Early treatment spells lower death rates for people with alcohol problems.
We already know that alcohol problems increase the risk of premature death. Those treated from alcohol problems have a death rate 1.6 to 4.7 times that of the general population, according to previous research. Now a study from the Veterans Health Administration, Palo Alto, reveals that early and successful treatment lowers the death rate for those with alcohol problems.

They followed a group of 628 adults who had not received prior treatment. Over a 16 year period, the death rate was 1.4 times that of the general population, which was lower than that reported in other treatment studies. Those who had more severe alcohol problems were more likely to die, as were men and single people. But those in remission after a year of treatment had a lower death rate, showing the value of catching alcohol problems early and treating them. Receiving more than eight weeks of outpatient treatment or attending Alcoholics Anonymous for more than 16 weeks reduced the death rate from alcohol problems.

The researchers say it's interesting that the improved outcome was not especially dependent on the type of treatment - it is getting help of some kind for alcohol problems that is important. Therefore there should be a range of treatment options. Longer duration of inpatient treatment was indicative of a worse outcome, however. It is important to try not to let the alcohol problems worsen so that inpatient care is necessary.

Source
Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research October 2006 Volume 30 Number 10