In early stages of alcohol addiction negative effects of alcohol often remain invisible to the patient or underestimated and considered “normal” by him. However, there is a cohort of alcohol drinkers who seek outpatient treatment in early stages of addiction.

The study was conducted in order to investigate the triggers for seeking therapy in early stages of alcohol dependence when compulsive drinking, impaired control and increased alcohol tolerance are developed, but withdrawal symptoms followed by relief drinking are not yet observed. Fourty-six out-patients (31 men and 15 women, mean age 38 ± 7 years) were studied by means of audit and clinical interview.

The average duration of alcohol abuse was 8,7 ± 5 years, the mean daily dose of alcohol was 10 ± 4 standard drinks. Most of the patients were drinking alcohol from several times a week to several times a month.

The decision to seek treatment in most cases was pushed by patients’ family members because of the recurrent interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol – 70% (n = 32). Other triggers included: job instability – 35% (n = 16); alcohol blackouts – 26% (n = 12); exacerbations of symptoms of existing physical conditions – 24% (n = 11); legal problems – 7% (n = 3).

Alcohol consumption in early stages of alcohol addiction can affect nearly every aspect of a patient's life. The triggers which promote treatment-seeking behaviour should be addressed in the course of the treatment in order to encourage recovery and prevent transition to more severe stages of the disease.