Abstract
In the Czech Republic, there is a long lasting tradition of an institutional treatment for alcohol and substance dependence, based on the residential programme that combines behavioral modification and psychotherapy. Publications of treatment outcomes use different methods of assessment, which make comparisons difficult.
We report on 5- years of follow up in 468 patients addicted on alcohol, illegal drugs, addictive medicines or pathological gambling. They underwent the residential treatment programme at the Department of Addictive Disorders at Nechanice.
They had to participate in the programme for at least 2-months. Outcome data were collected by a questionnaire sent to persons close to patients (relatives, spouses, mates) and supplemented with telephone-calls, if necessary.
The outcome assessment is based on 366 correspondence or telephone contact and add additional information to data gained by questionnaires mailed in the previous years. Respondents reported total abstinence in 30 % of cases throughout the 5-year follow-up.
The abstinence lasting at least half a year at the time of responding, was reported in 53 % of patients. The rate of those abstaining remains stable anytime after the treatment.
However, the course and outcome of abstinence differs according to the addictive substance or activity. Remarkable finding is the high death rate among patients who relapsed.
The assessments of treatment programmes can be useful in comparing different treatment programs and their fit to particular addiction type.