Effectiveness of a national 'Minnesota Model' based residential treatment programme for alcohol dependence in Ireland: outcomes and predictors of outcome.

Objectives: The aims of this study were (a) to examine the effectiveness of an inpatient treatment programme for alcohol dependence based on the 'Minnesota Model' and (b) to examine potential predictors of outcomes from such treatment.

Methods: Demographics and data relating to psychosocial functioning of a group of individuals who commenced treatment for alcohol dependence were gathered at the point of treatment entry. These individuals were then followed up 6 months after they were to complete their inpatient treatment to establish their alcohol-related outcomes.

Anxiety and depression among patients with alcohol dependence: co-morbid or substance-related problems?

Objectives: There are conflicting reports on the levels of anxiety and depression in individuals with alcohol problems and whether these conditions are substance-related or independent of the alcohol problem. The aim of this study was to characterise rates of co-morbid psychiatric symptoms among a group of individuals commencing treatment for alcohol dependence, and to examine the stability of these symptoms following treatment of the alcohol problem.

Methods: Symptoms of anxiety and depression were examined in a group of individuals (n=93) undergoing residential treatment for alcohol dependence.