[How to deal with alcohol: a qualitative evaluation of 30 interviews with alcohol-dependent patients].

Introduction: Alcohol dependence syndrome is a chronic-recurrent substance use disorder. Various treatments have been shown to be effective with a positive impact on the course of the disease. The patients' subjective perception of their disease and the offered treatments remain unclear.

Methods: 30 alcohol-dependent patients (n = 20 psychiatric clinic, n = 10 addiction counseling) were asked how they had dealt with their alcohol problem in the past. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using current qualitative research methods.

Results: While most patients positively rated many aspects in the three areas of alcohol abstinence, treatment and the social environment, they also described negative aspects in these areas.

Discussion: The contradicting statements show an area of conflict that demonstrates the ambivalence of alcohol-dependent patients in relevant fields. This ambivalence can be considered as important for the therapy and the course of the disease.