Examining untreated and treated alcohol problem resolution in an Australian online survey sample

INTRODUCTION

While treatment is an effective way to resolve alcohol problems, many people resolve their alcohol problems in the absence of treatment. Just how many do so is not known and may vary based on the definition of treatment. Various estimates of untreated alcohol problem resolution were calculated in this study, and the differences between people who resolve their alcohol problems with or without treatment were explored in relation to sociodemographic variables, levels of alcohol consumption in the past 12 months and lifetime alcohol problem severity.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey was administered to 719 people who had resolved an alcohol problem in Australia. Convenience sampling was used through a recruitment strategy targeted towards the general population via Facebook.

RESULTS

Almost half (49.8%) of all people who resolved their alcohol problem did so in the absence of alcohol treatment, whether specialist alcohol treatment, mutual-aid services or digital support services. When accessing mental health treatment is included under the scope of 'treatment', this estimate dropped to 12.8%. The estimated odds of having accessed treatment increased with age and lifetime alcohol problem severity. Other sociodemographic variables, or levels of alcohol consumption in the past 12 months, were not significantly associated with treatment status.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

It might be beneficial to expand the scope of 'treatment' to include mental health services and focus on the development of cost-effective and less intrusive standalone activities, which can expedite and support alcohol problem resolution for those who choose not to access specialist treatment.