OCCUPATIONAL OUTCOME AFTER MILITARY TREATMENT FOR ALCOHOLISM

Many studies measure the occupational outcome of alcoholism treatment utilizing reports from the patient and not from the employer. In an attempt to obtain an objective measure of occupational outcome, the authors used both supervisors’ evaluations and clinical reports from aftercare personnel to observe 728 patients who completed a 6-week military inpatient alcoholism treatment program. Patients were observed for up to 2 years to determine prognostic indicators for post-rehabilitation personal and occupational success. Continuous abstinence from alcohol was seen in 77% of the study group, whereas satisfactory posttreatment occupational performance was observed in 90% throughout the study period. Military rank, successful inpatient program completion, and aftercare program adherence were good predictors of long-term outcome, whereas extent of prior treatment for substance abuse and Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test scores were not. © by American College of Occupational Medicine.