Population Variation among Alcoholism Treatment Facilities

Abstract

This is a study of variation of population characteristics between subjects admitted for treatment at four different alcoholism treatment facilities; an Aversion-Conditioning Hospital, an Outpatient Clinic, a Half-way House, and a Police Work Center. Subjects were interviewed upon admission at each of the four facilities to assess demographic characteristics, characterological traits, life adaptation, and attitudes and expectations regarding treatment. A sample of 121 subjects was obtained for analyses. Significant differences were found between each of the four population in each of the four major areas of assessment. Employing the concept of “social competence,” the four populations were found to demonstrate a continuum of social competence that maintained internal consistency between the various types of data obtained. Ranging from highest social competence to lowest, the populations are, in order: the Aversion-Conditioning Hospital, the Outpatient Clinic, the Half-Way House, and the Police Work Center. A high degree of congruence was found between the psychodynamic and sociodynamic needs, defenses, and goals of each population and its respective facility. The data suggest that there may be predetermining factors that influence the selection of each facility by its client population. The data underscore the need to match facility philosophy and methods to the specific needs of alcoholic sub-populations. No one facility can provide a program that will meet the needs of all alcoholic subpopulations. In the planning and implementation of comprehensive community alcoholism programs there is a need for multiple treatment approaches. This should be construed as complementary facilities serving particular population needs, rather than competitive facilities seeking to see who can “do it best.”