Predictors of Mortality in Alcoholic Men: A 20‐Year Follow‐Up Study

Collins E. Lewis, Elizabeth Smith, Carman Kercher, Edward Spitznagel

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24 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study investigates the predictors of mortality in 158 male alcoholics who were psychiatrically hospitalized between 1907 and 1968 and followed for >20 years. The findings showed that an older age, liver cimhosis, and separation or divorce at intake were all associated with a shorter time to death. These results corroborate those of other follow‐up studies that have identified age, health, and social support as independent correlates of mortality in alcoholics. From a therapeutic standpoint, the most alterable predictor is social support. Thus, the establishment of a salutary social network and social support system should be an integral part of the alcoholic's treatment plan.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)984-991
Number of pages8
JournalAlcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research
Volume19
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1995

Keywords

  • Alcoholism
  • Cirrhosis
  • Mortality
  • Social Support

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