Treated and Untreated Recovery from Alcohol Misuse: Environmental Influences and Perceived Reasons for Change

Abstract

This Swedish study compared assisted and unassisted subjects with different long-term drinking outcomes with regard to drinking patterns, significant life events, and attributions as to what initiated and maintained recovery. It was found that both recovery, independent of help-seeking status, and help-seeking, independent of long-term outcome, were preceded by prolonged harmful drinking consequences and increasing negative stress. Initial attempts to solve the drinking problem were followed by a significant reduction in life stress, but stable recovery was uniquely associated with stability and/or major improvements in the life context. Unassisted recovery was more often gradual in character and/ or motivated by positive incentives than assisted recovery. Possible clinical and social-political implications are discussed.

Key Words:

• Alcohol misuse
• Assisted and unassisted recoveries
• Life events
• Environmental factors
• Reasons for change
• Spontaneous recovery