Association Between Social Influences and Drinking Outcomes Across Three Years

• DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2012.73.489
• Publication Date: 2015-03-05T10:01:03Z
• Authors: Robert L. Stout; John F. Kelly; Molly Magill; Maria E. Pagano
• Keywords: Attendance

Objective: Multiple studies have shown social network variables to mediate and predict drinking outcome, but, because of selfselection biases, these cannot reliably determine whether the influence is causal or correlational. The goal this study was evaluate evidence for a role characteristics in determining long-term outcomes using state-of-the-art statistical methods. Method: Outpatient aftercare clients enrolled Project MATCH (N = 1,726) were assessed at intake 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 months; outpatient sample also followed 39 months. Generalized linear modeling with propensity stratification tested changes ties (i.e., number pro-abstainers pro-drinkers) Month 9 predicted percentage days abstinent drinks per day months, covarying Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) attendance 9. Results: An increase pro-drinkers worse outcomes, measured by day, Months (p < .0001). more both time periods .01). uniquely 5%–12% outcome variance; AA an additional 1%–6%. Conclusions: Network composition following treatment important plausibly predictor alcohol across 3 years, adjusting multiple confounders. effects are consistent patients exhibiting broad range alcohol-related impairment. Results support further development treatments that promote positive highlight need research on determinants changes.