Quality of Life in Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder

The standard DSM-5-based clinical assessment of AUD includes the number of AUD criteria (between 2 and 11) as well as various parameters related to the patterns of alcohol use (e.g., frequency of use, frequency of heavy use). In the contemporary clinical practice, more "functional" assessment tools are emerging such as quality of life, autonomy, cognitive functioning, but also other non-specific lifestyle habits, such as sleep quality and sexual functioning. These indicators are important because they define the broad impact of AUD on individual's life, and they are part of the overall rehabilitation, beyond the mere question of the relationship to alcohol. However, the determinants of quality of life of patients with AUD patients undergoing a detoxification program, and the factors associated with change in quality of life are not well identified.

This prospective cohort study will recruit 200 patients undergoing a detoxification program (home-based or in addiction services). Patients' demographic data, socioeconomic status, physical diseases, medication use, clinical features of AUD, psychiatric variables, impulsivity, autonomy, sexual functioning, sleep quality, and cognitive functioning will be measured at baseline. The Alcohol Quality of Life Scale (AQoLS) will be completed at baseline and at 6-month follow-up. Alcohol status (relapse/abstinence) will be assessed at 6 months.

Inclusion criteria

• DSM-5 AUD criteria
• At least 18 years of age
• Within the 10th and 21st day of a detoxification program.

Exclusion criteria

• Communication difficulties (insufficient level of French, major hearing or visual impairment, major cognitive deficit)
• Under guardianship
• Under justice control
• Cannot be reached by phone