Demonstrating a relation of change in problematic alcohol involvement to changes in personality has both theoretical and clinical implications. Theoretically, correlated change between problematic alcohol involvement and personality would call for a broader developmental framework in which changes in these constructs are viewed in the context of each other. Linking changes in personality to changes in alcohol involvement could also have substantial clinical relevance. If personality change leads to changes in alcohol involvement, then clinical assessments should address changes in personality along with changes in drinking behaviors. Additionally, concurrent changes in both problematic drinking behaviors and personality may indicate that the individual has undergone substantial underlying change, whereas changes in drinking behaviors but not personality may signal ongoing risk of relapse or recurrence. Furthermore, interventions could focus on strategies to modify personality traits related to drinking.
