An ambispective study on the determinants of treatmentoutcome and follow-up of patients with alcohol dependencesyndrome in a Tertiary Care Center in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Background: Alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) is a major public health challenge in India, characterized by high relapse rates and poor long-term outcomes. Understanding multifactorial determinants, including
personality traits, psychosocial stressors, and clinical factors, can help in improving treatment strategies to get better outcomes.
Aim: To assess determinants of treatment outcome and follow-up compliance among inpatients with ADS at a tertiary care center in Tamil Nadu.
Methods: 116 patients diagnosed with ADS were studied over 9 months (October 2024–June 2025).Retrospective and prospective data, including sociodemographic and clinical factors, personality traits,stressful life events, and treatment adherence, were analyzed using statistical tools.
Results: Relapse rate was high (approximately 95%). Significant predictors of relapse included craving (p < 0.001), poor treatment compliance (p = 0.028), high severity of dependence (SADQ) (p < 0.001), married status (p = 0.040), and positive family history (p = 0.011). Personality traits showed no significant association with relapse except “Liveliness” correlating with stressful life events (p = 0.020). Disulfiram therapy showed better abstinence rates compared to other pharmacotherapies.
Conclusion: Treatment compliance, craving, family history, and psychosocial stressors are critical factors in relapse among ADS patients. Multifaceted intervention models that address these variables are essential for improving long-term outcomes.