Decreased alcohol consumption in outpatient drinkers is associated with improved quality of life and fewer alcohol-related consequences.

Kraemer, Kevin L; Maisto, Stephen A; Conigliaro, Joseph; McNeil, Melissa; Gordon, Adam J; Kelley, Mary E · J Gen Intern Med · 2002

prospective_cohort · Level II

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Abstract

This study's objective was to determine whether changes in alcohol consumption are associated with changes in quality of life and alcohol-related consequences in an outpatient sample of drinkers. Two hundred thirteen subjects completed the Short Form 36-item (SF-36) Health Survey and the Short Inventory of Problems at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Subjects who sustained a 30% or greater decrease in drinks per month reported improvement in SF-36 Physical Component Summary (P =.058) and Mental Component Summary (P =.037) scores and had fewer alcohol-related consequences (P <.001) when compared to those with a <30% decrease. These findings suggest another benefit of alcohol screening and intervention in the primary care setting.

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