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Abstract
In studies of former alcoholics or problem drinkers who are able to achieve controlled drinking, the success rates differe substantially, depending on whether abstinence or controlled drinking was the goal of treatment. Certain methodological variables may account for a large portion of these differences. The author reviews nine methodological areas of importance: (a) diagnostic criteria or method of inclusion in the study, (b) control groups, (e) volunteer status and subjects' expectations of outcome, (f) length of follow-up and duration of problem-free drinking, (g)outcome(controlled drinking) criteria, (h) corroboration of self-reports by outside informants, and (i) treatment orientation. Other relevant topics in the background history of the controlled drinking field are also discussed.