Pilot data have provided tentative evidence
that the degree of cognitive impairment
may be a meaningful classificatory variable
with respect to subsequent outcome. The
purpose of the proposed study is to examine the differential effectiveness of short-
and long-term intensive therapy for
alcoholic subtypes defined by different
levels of current problem-solving abilities.
Subjects will be male alcoholic veterans
participating in an inpatient treatment
program at the Seattle Veterans Adminis tration Hospital. Patients volunteering to
participate in thepresent study will initially
be administered a neuropsychological test
battery including the Wechsler Adult
Intelligence Scale and tests from the
Halstead battery. Scores from these tests
will be used to determine the individuals'
Brain-Age Quotient (BAQ), a measure of
current adaptive abilities developed by
Reitan. Measures of personality traits,
psychosocial functioning, and drinking-related behavior will be collected on admission and at three-, six, and nine-month
follow-up periods. Based on the antici
pated findings of the present study, the
length of the treatment program may be
tailored to meet the specific needs, defined
in terms of current adaptive abilities, of the
individual client. Such a program would
appear to maximize both the probabihty of
a successful treatment outcome and mini mize unnecessary expenses.
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