Why people enter treatment for alcohol problems: Findings from UK Alcohol Treatment Trial pre‐treatment interviews

Abstract

Aim: To develop a model of why people seek professional treatment for drinking problems, grounded in what clients say about the process at treatment entry. Participants: Three sets of consecutive entrants to the UK Alcohol Treatment Trial, sets commencing at intervals during trial recruitment (total n = 98). Location: Statutory and non‐statutory alcohol problem treatment agencies in three areas of England and Wales. Data: Open‐ended interviews according to a brief interview guide, leading to 400–800‐word post‐interview reports used for analysis (tape recordings used for auditing the interview and analysis process). Analysis: Reports analysed by a team according to grounded theory principles, involving an iterative process with successive refinement of interviewing and analysis with each successive set of data. Findings: A model of professional treatment entry was developed, refined and “tested” with the last set of data. The process of seeking professional treatment was depicted in the model as involving a realization of worsening, accumulating and multiple problems related to drinking, especially in health and family domains; in conjunction with, in most cases (but not all), a trigger event and/or family or professional influence; combined with rejection of the possibility of unaided change or non‐professional help; leading to the seeking or accepting of professional help. Conclusions: The findings support conclusions already in the literature about the process of seeking professional help for a drinking problem, but provide further refinement of existing ideas: for example regarding the accumulation of drinking‐related problems, the ways in which a realization of those problems combines with triggers or pressure, and the complex role of the family and primary care professionals in assisting motivation to seek treatment.