A Prospective Study of Quit Attempts from Alcohol Problems in a Community Sample: Modeling the Processes of Change

Abstract

A prospective natural history study was conducted of problem drinkers who were thinking about quitting or reducing their alcohol consumption. Two primary constructs, cognitive appraisals and life events, were measured in a mailed-out baseline survey. A two month follow-up survey identified those who had made reductions in drinking. Regression analyses revealed some support for a cognitive appraisal explanation of change. Respondents who identified more anticipated costs of change were less likely to reduce their drinking. Plans for phase two of this research project - a one year follow-up to identify sustained change attempts - are discussed.

• Alcohol
• Motivation
• Life Events
• Autoremission
• Natural History