One-year outcomes of inpatient treatment for alcohol use disorder: A seven-week programme in the Czech Republic

30/10/2026

AI Summary

One-year continuous abstinence 37.1%; point abstinence 56.5%; most relapses occurred within first six months.
Initiating facility-based aftercare within one month post-discharge was associated with significantly better abstinence outcomes.
Higher baseline alcohol severity predicted earlier relapse; WHOQOL-BREF scores improved over time and higher six-month scores linked to sustained abstinence.

TL;DR (AI Generated)

This study examined 12-month post-treatment outcomes following a seven-week inpatient psychotherapeutic programme at Pilsen University Hospital and analysed factors associated with abstinence and relapse.

Initiation of facility-based aftercare within one month after discharge was associated with more favourable outcomes, while higher baseline alcohol severity was associated with earlier relapse.

These findings suggest that the early post-treatment period represents a particularly vulnerable phase of recovery and that aftercare participation, dependence severity, and quality of life may be relevant correlates of treatment outcomes.

Basic summary

Adicciones. 2026 Sep 30;38(3):183-196. doi: 10.20882/adicciones.2518.

ABSTRACT

Long-term outcomes of inpatient treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) remain insufficiently studied in Central and Eastern Europe. This study examined 12-month post-treatment outcomes following a seven-week inpatient psychotherapeutic programme at Pilsen University Hospital and analysed factors associated with abstinence and relapse. A single-group prospective cohort of 62 patients (41.9% women) diagnosed with alcohol dependence or harmful use (ICD-10) was assessed using standardised instruments (WHOQOL-BREF and EuropASI) and followed up at the 6-month and 12-month follow-ups, with collateral informant verification. Continuous one-year abstinence was observed in 23 patients (37.1%), with an additional 5 (8.1%) reporting a single lapse; point abstinence at one year was 56.5%. Relapse occurred predominantly during the first 6 months after discharge. Initiation of facility-based aftercare within one month after discharge was associated with more favourable outcomes, while higher baseline alcohol severity was associated with earlier relapse. Quality of life, as measured by the WHOQOL-BREF, improved over time, and higher quality of life at the 6-month follow-up was associated with more favourable abstinence outcomes. These findings suggest that the early post-treatment period represents a particularly vulnerable phase of recovery and that aftercare participation, dependence severity, and quality of life may be relevant correlates of treatment outcomes.

PMID:42952367 | DOI:10.20882/adicciones.2518

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