The probability of developing and maintaining remission is higher in individuals with: 1) less intense substance problems; 2) more stable life functioning; 3) higher incomes; 4) a spouse who encourages change; 5) greater overall social support; 6) a later age of onset of regular drinking; 7) no concomitant psychiatric diagnoses; and 8) recent histories of seeking help for drinking problems (Bischof et al., 2003; Boschloo et al., 2012; Chassin et al., 2004; Cunningham et al., 2000; Dawson et al., 2006; 2012; Satre et al., 2012). Additional characteristics associated with a better prognosis for AUDs may include having young children in the house and religiosity (Dawson et al., 2012). Many of these findings are consistent with what has been described as social processes hypothesized to facilitate long-term remission of AUDs, including evidence of social bonding, involvement in alternative rewarding activities, general life stability and abstinence-orientation (Moos, 2007).
