Factors influencing remission from alcohol dependence without formal help in a representative population sample

Aims. To analyse factors related to remission without formal help by using a representative sample and standardized instruments. Design. Two groups of untreated alcohol-dependent subjects were compared. Setting. General population survey. Participants. Thirty-two subjects fully remitted without formal help (NFH) and 26 current alcohol-dependent individuals (CAD) according to DSM-IV drawn from a representative general population sample in northern Germany (response rate: 70.2%, n=4075). Measurements. Data focusing on the 2 years prior to remission from NFH were compared with past-year data from CAD. Groups were compared on variables found to be associated with remission without formal help in previous research. Findings. Logistic regression analysis revealed that individuals remitted from alcohol-dependence without formal help reported a higher non-physiological severity of alcohol dependence, less social pressure to quit drinking and more incidents of driving while intoxicated. Furthermore, they tended to report more satisfaction with work and financial situation and were more likely to live in a stable partnership. Conclusions. Findings support the concept of psychosocial resources as important enabling factors in remission from alcohol dependence without formal help. Implications for brief interventions are discussed.