People with Alcohol Use Disorders in Specialized Care in Eight Different European Countries

• DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agv009
• Publication Date: 2015-02-26T16:23:00Z
• Authors: J. Rehm; A. Allamani; H.-J. Aubin; R. Della Vedova; Z. Elekes; U. Frick; A. Jakubczyk; N. Kostogianni; I. Landsmane; J. Manthey; L. Miquel; F. Paille; L. Pieper; C. Probst; F. Scafuri; K. D. Shield; S. Snikere; P. Struzzo; M. Trapencieris; F. Voller; H.-U. Wittchen; A. Gual; M. Wojnar
• Keywords: Alcohol use disorder; Depression; Alcohol Dependence

Aim: To provide a description of patients receiving alcohol treatment in eight different European countries, including the level comorbidities and functional limitations. Methods: Drinking behaviours, DSM-IV use disorder (AUD), mental somatic comorbidities, disability health services utilization 1767 from various specialized settings were assessed as representative for regions countries. Severity dependence (AD) terms drinking was compared with large US sample. Results: Patients care AUDs showed high levels consumption [average daily ethanol intake: 141.1 g, standard deviation (SD): 116.0 g], comorbidity [e.g. liver problems: 19.6%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 17.5–21.6%; depression: 43.2%, CI: 40.7–45.8%; anxiety: 50.3%, 47.8–52.9%], (average number nights spent hospital(s) during last 6 months: 8.8, SD: 19.5 nights). AD similar to sample, but men consumed on average more daily. Conclusions: High consumption, losses found this indicating that initiated only at severe stages AUDs. Earlier initiation could help avoid some social burden.