Treatment outcome evaluation methodology with alcohol abusers: strengths and key issues

Abstract

This paper addresses selected methodological issues related to treatment outcome studies in the alcohol field. In particular, an assessment is presented of where treatment evaluation methodology has excelled (strengths) and where weaknesses are apparent (key issues facing the field today). The four strengths discussed are (1) precision of measurement of the target behavior—drinking; (2) research on the veridicality of self-reports; (3) length of the follow-up interval; and (4) development of a convergent validity criterion approach to assessment and evaluation. The three key issues reviewed are: (1) How should treatment success be gauged? (2) What is an adequate follow-up interval upon which to base conclusions about treatment success or failure? (3) Can the validity of self-reports be enhanced?