Improving Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Systems: Integrating Focus on Motivation and Actuarial Matching

This study investigates the benefit of adding a data-driven actuarial matching system and focus on motivation to routine outpatient alcoholism treatment. The study is a two-cohort quasi-experimental study. One cohort (188 clients) were assigned to treatment based on clinician judgment. Cohort 2 (175 clients) were assigned to treatment based on actuarial matching procedures. Both cohorts were followed for 12 months. A total of 37% of Cohort 2 dropped out of treatment, compared to 52% of Cohort 1. Cohort 2 also showed greater reduction in alcohol consumption and greater improvement. Actuarial matching procedures appear to have improved treatment retention and outcome.