Alcohol and Alcoholism Advance Access originally published online on June 26, 2008
Alcohol and Alcoholism 2008 43(5):600-605; doi:10.1093/alcalc/agn054
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How should Alcohol Dependence be Treated? The Public View
Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
* Corresponding author: Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Botucatu 740, 04023-900 São Paulo, Brazil. Tel: +55-11-55764160; Fax: +55-11-55717254; E-mail: pelusoe{at}terra.com.br
Received 21 December 2007; first review notified 7 April 2008; in revised form 2 June 2008; accepted 3 June 2008
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Abstract |
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Aims: The aim of this study was to assess public preferences on sources of help and treatment, and perception of prognosis for alcohol dependence. Method: A household survey was administered in 2002 to a probabilistic sample of 500 individuals, all residents of the city of São Paulo, Brazil, with ages ranging from 18 to 65. A vignette in colloquial language describing an individual with alcohol dependence (according to DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria) was presented together with a structured questionnaire with questions about the vignette. Results: The public considered the help of lay people, self-help groups and psychologists the most useful. Medical professionals were viewed less favourably. The treatments and activities most recommended were psychotherapy and general activities, such as physical activities, keeping the mind busy and attending church services. Medical treatments were seen as more harmful than helpful. The more important determinants were identification of alcohol dependence as mental illness, religion and number of years of school completed. Prognosis with treatment was viewed as favourable. Conclusion: These results may indicate that the public needs to receive more information on the full range of treatments options, especially those related to professional or formal treatment.