[Impact of functional social support for abstinence after inpatient detoxification].
OBJECTIVE
Several studies discovered an association between social support and therapy outcomes in patients suffering from alcoholism. However, less is known about the influence of functional social support (fss) on these outcomes. In this prospective study, we examined the impact of fss on different alcohol-dependence related variables in 132 alcohol-dependent patients.


METHODS
The fss was measured with the Medical Outcome Study (MOS) Social Support Survey at baseline and at the end of the study.


RESULTS
We found significantly higher fss levels in patients with a current partnership. However, there was no association between fss or its sub-dimensions (emotional, cognitive and practical social support) with days until relapse. Fss was stable in the 12 week interval, despite ongoing weekly therapy. However, controlling for the variables "partnership" and "time of first withdrawal symptoms", we found a negative correlation between perceived practical social support and number of previous inpatient detoxifications.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased empirical understanding of the impact of social relationships in alcohol-dependent patients would help to improve treatment prognosis, in addition, optimizing the currently available therapeutic options.
Mutschler
Jochen
J
Klinik für Soziale Psychiatrie und Allgemeinpsychiatrie, ZH West, Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich. jochen.mutschler@puk.zh.ch
Kobiella
Andrea
A
Grosshans
Martin
M
Kiefer
Falk
F
D000077443:Acamprosate; D000328:Adult; D000427:Alcohol Deterrents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D019233:Retreatment; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013654:Taurine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000427:Alcohol Deterrents; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D013654:Taurine; D009271:Naltrexone; D000077443:Acamprosate