The effects of comprehensive inpatient alcoholism treatment on measures of loss and grief

Current research has identified a grief reaction in alcoholics undergoing inpatient treatment. The addition of a loss/grief experience to an existing comprehensive treatment regimen is examined to determine its ability to enhance loss/grief awareness in an experimental group of patients. Loss identification and grief awareness measures for this group are compared with like measures for a group undergoing the regular treatment program. No significant difference between the groups is reported. It is proposed that existing models of comprehensive treatment increase loss awareness and initiate a grieving process without the addition of a specialized treatment component dealing with loss and grief.