Decreased alcohol consumption in outpatient drinkers is associated with improved quality of life and fewer alcohol-related consequences

J Gen Intern Med. 2002 May;17(5):382-6. doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.2002.10613.x.

Abstract

This study's objective was to determine whether changes in alcohol consumption are associated with changes in quality of life and alcohol-related consequences in an outpatient sample of drinkers. Two hundred thirteen subjects completed the Short Form 36-item (SF-36) Health Survey and the Short Inventory of Problems at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Subjects who sustained a 30% or greater decrease in drinks per month reported improvement in SF-36 Physical Component Summary (P =.058) and Mental Component Summary (P =.037) scores and had fewer alcohol-related consequences (P <.001) when compared to those with a <30% decrease. These findings suggest another benefit of alcohol screening and intervention in the primary care setting.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / prevention & control*
  • Ambulatory Care / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / therapy
  • Time Factors