Wishes and expectations of alcoholic patients concerning their therapy

Aim: To assess the wishes and expectations of alcoholic patients concerning their therapy. Methods: 227 alcohol-dependent patients from three sites in two cities in Germany completed a questionnaire about their aspirations for the outcome (20 items) and their expectations about the elements (23 items) of treatment. Results: Some components of treatment were equally important to men and women (a life without alcohol, individual sessions during therapy). Women attached more importance than men to 'strengthening of self-esteem' and 'an environment of tranquillity and security'. Most patients in this study were aware of their alcohol dependence, which limits the generalizability of these results to patients at earlier stages of recovery. Conclusion: Patients request individual, patient-oriented treatment. Some differences in expectations between men and women suggest that a gendered approach in treatment could mean an increase in patients' satisfaction, and thus a decrease in drop-outs.