Aggressive, onset of dependence, and treatment outcome in socially well-adapted alcoholics

Abstract

Current typologies of alcoholism derive from the whole spectrum of afflicted persons. One type is characterized by variables such as early onset of dependence, violence, and aggressiveness. In previous research, this has been shown to be correlated with poorer prognosis. We tested this association in a fairly homogeneous subgroup of 258 socially rather well-adjusted male inpatients. Aggressiveness was assessed psychometrically. As a group, patients did not differ from general population norms. However, age was negatively correlated with aggressiveness. Even after taking patients' age and duration of dependence into account, aggressiveness was associated with an early onset of dependence and further aspects of drinking history, thus confirming results from previous typology research. Overall treatment outcome after 6 and 12 months was quite good, but was not influenced by aggression.