The Use of a Structured Assessment Interview as an Intervention to Reduce Dropout Rates in Outpatient Relapse Prevention Groups for “Problem” Drinkers

Abstract

The problem of dropout rates in outpatient relapse prevention goups for “problem” drinkers is addressed. To test the hypothesis that the dropout rates were due to anxiety and lack of clarity among the participants about the purpose and expectations of the group, a structured induction was developed. The results obtained show that the induction made a significant difference in reducing the dropout rate. These findings can also be applied to other outpatient groups.

Key Words:

• Relapse prevention
• Problem drinkers
• Outpatient groups
• Dropout rates
• Assessment interview