The Influence of sociodemographic factors on abstinence in alcohol dependent persons

Abstract

Two hundred and thirty four alcohol dependent persons were admitted to an inten¬sive 6 week residential rehabilitation programme conducted at a special aleohol rehabilitation unit in Colombo. Of these. 175 (74 8%) were followed-up for a minimum of 2 years (mean 39.2 months) Of the 175, 76 persons remained totally abstinent and 99 had relapsed'by the end of the study period. There was a significant association (P<0001, chi-square test) between continued abstinence end having a life partner, stable family support, a higher income and regular employ -ment, A significant association was not found between abstinence and age of the dependent person, duration of alcohol dependence, level of education or type of employment. These results suggest that some 'environmental' factors play an important role in alcoholic remission