Despite differences in samples and designs, follow-up studies of
alcoholic patients by the Rand Corporation, the state of Oklahoma, and the
Veterans Administration (VA) revealed more similarities than differences in
outcome and relapse. In the VA study at 6, 12, and 24 months' follow-up, it
was found that drinking status and psychosocial adjustment were
significantly correlated, the percentage of patients drinking moderately
varied from 33% to 47% and did not decrease over time, and the percentage
of patients in remission remained constant at 55% over the 2-year period.
These data appear to support the inclusion of moderate drinking in the
definition of remission.
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