Empirical studies supporting the efficacy of specific techniques and practices in the inpatient treatment of alcoholism are reviewed. The studies confirm the value of an intensive, group-oriented, multimodal treatment approach. Specific features that have been found to be helpful include a responsive intake procedure, patient participation in treatment planning, a professional staff with good interpersonal skills, interdisciplinary assessment and treatment, judicious use of appropriate medication, and a strong aftercare program. These findings may be useful in efforts to assess and compare different treatment programs and to design treatment outcome studies.
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