Changes in alcohol expectancies before and after inpatient chemical detoxification for alcohol dependence

Marcantonio M. Spada, Francis Nuamah, Jason Luty, Ana V. Nikčevič

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Alcohol expectancies are believed to play a crucial role in the initiation and maintenance of problematic alcohol use. The present study investigated changes in alcohol expectancies before and after inpatient chemical detoxification for alcohol dependence. METHODS: A sample of 48 alcohol-dependent participants completed the Alcohol Outcome Expectancies Scale before and after inpatient chemical detoxification. RESULTS: After inpatient chemical detoxification a significant overall reduction in both positive and negative alcohol expectancies was observed. At 12-month follow-up 89.5% of participants had relapsed. CONCLUSIONS: Inpatient chemical detoxification results in lower positive and negative alcohol expectancies in alcohol dependent patients. However, high relapse rates reported at 12-month follow-up suggest that these changes are not a reliable indicator of future alcohol use discontinuation. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)157-161
Number of pages5
JournalAddictive Disorders and their Treatment
Volume7
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alcohol expectancies
  • Chemical detoxification
  • Relapse

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