Physical pain in alcohol-dependent patients entering treatment – Prevalence and risk of post-treatment relapse

Background: Chronic pain and harmful alcohol use commonly co-exist, however, it is not clear how presence of pain may impact risk of relapse in alcoholism. The purpose of the study was to characterize pain in a group of alcohol-dependent individuals entering treatment programs and to examine if changes in pain before and after the treatment influences risk of post-treatment relapse. Methods: A sample of 366 alcohol-dependent subjects was recruited in alcohol treatment centers in Warsaw, Poland. Information was obtained about demographics, social functioning, childhood abuse, severity of alcohol and sleep problems, level of pain, impulsivity and general psychopathology.
Source: Alcohol - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: research