Objective: This study examines a sample of alcohol user treatment outcome studies to determine the amount of attention given to three areas of concern and cost-effectiveness in treatment research: patient diagnosis, use of self-help groups (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous [AA]), and use of maintenance care services (also known as a "aftercare").
Method: A preliminary sample of 40 studies was coded for the degree of specific information provided to each of the three areas of interest.
Results: Eight studies in the sample did not mention the diagnostic criteria used to determine patient addiction, 18 did not mention use, referral, or recommendation of AA, and 20 did not mention use, referral, or recommendation of maintenance care services.
Conclusions: As cost-effective additions to primary treatment, AA and maintenance care services deserve greater attention in the treatment of "substance abuse disorders." Researchers should also pay greater attention to patient diagnosis as an integral part of patient care. Finally, journal editors should institute minimum requirements for published reports ensuring that sufficient information on patient care is provided.