알코올의존 치료 목표의 대안인 조절음주에 관한 고찰

Controlled Drinking as an Alternative Goal of Treatment of Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol use disorders have a variable course that is frequently characterized by periods of remission and relapse. Although some individuals with alcohol dependence achieve long-term sobriety without active treatment many need treatment to stop the cycles of remission and relapse. The long-term goals of treatment for patients with alcohol use disorders are abstinence(or reduction in use and effects), relapse prevention, and rehabilitation. There is some controversy in the literature, however, regarding the possible benefits of striving for a eduction in alcohol intake, as opposed to total abstinence. Rosenberg concluded that a lower severity of pretreatment alcohol dependence and the belief that controlled drinking is possible were associated with the achievement of controlled drinking after treatment. Interventions aimed at achieving moderate drinking have also been used with patients in the early stages of alcohol abuse. Controlled drinking may be an acceptable outcome of treatment, for a selected group of patients, when accompanied by substantial improvements in morbidity and psychosocial functioning. For most patients with alcohol dependence or abuse, however, abstinence is the optimal goal. In a context of secondary prevention the behavioral self-management controlled-drinking strategy may help problem drinkers significantly greater improvements in alcohol consumption, mood, and participating in social activities.