How should alcohol dependence be treated? The public view.

AIMS The aim of this study was to assess public preferences on sources of help and treatment, and perception of prognosis for alcohol dependence. METHOD A household survey was administered in 2002 to a probabilistic sample of 500 individuals, all residents of the city of São Paulo, Brazil, with ages ranging from 18 to 65. A vignette in colloquial language describing an individual with alcohol dependence (according to DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria) was presented together with a structured questionnaire with questions about the vignette. RESULTS The public considered the help of lay people, self-help groups and psychologists the most useful. Medical professionals were viewed less favourably. The treatments and activities most recommended were psychotherapy and general activities, such as physical activities, keeping the mind busy and attending church services. Medical treatments were seen as more harmful than helpful. The more important determinants were identification of alcohol dependence as mental illness, religion and number of years of school completed. Prognosis with treatment was viewed as favourable. CONCLUSION These results may indicate that the public needs to receive more information on the full range of treatments options, especially those related to professional or formal treatment.