Gender differences in natural recovery from alcohol dependence.
OBJECTIVE
Data from epidemiological research reveal that most alcohol dependent individuals recover without professional treatment. Little is known, however, about individuals remitting from alcohol dependence without formal help, and almost no data are available with respect to gender differences in natural recovery.


METHODS
Women (n = 38) and men (n = 106) who remitted from alcohol dependence according to DSM-IV without utilization of formal help (treatment or self-help groups) are compared. A standardized interview assessed reasons for not seeking help, and triggering mechanisms and maintenance factors of remission.


RESULTS
Compared with male subjects, female subjects, prior to remission, experienced lower extents of social pressure to change drinking behavior, drove less often under the influence of alcohol, revealed less satisfaction with different life domains and reported a higher impact of health problems on the remission process. Female subjects also informed fewer individuals about their former drinking problems.


CONCLUSIONS
Female and male natural remitters differ in factors that trigger the process as well as the maintenance of natural remission.
Bischof
G
G
Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University Greifswald, Germany. bischof.g@psychiatry.mu-Luebeck.de
Rumpf
H J
HJ
Hapke
U
U
Meyer
C
C
John
U
U
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010552:Personality Assessment; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D013695:Temperance / Q000523:psychology*