The purpose of this qualitative research was to describe the experiences of persistent cut down
of alcohol intake among former alcohol dependence. Twelve informants were the alcoholic persons who
used to be the patients at Phromphirame Hospital. Data were gathered during May 2007 to August 2007 by
in-depth interview, non – participant observation, field notes taking, and tape recording. The Colaizzi’ s
method was applied for data analysis.
The findings revealed that there were three factors influencing the alcoholics to cut down
drinking. Firstly, internal self factors which included awareness of health condition, increasing of maturity,
perceiving of harmful effect of drinking , having target in life , and the desire to change look down attitude
of others. Secondly, family factors were careful of family member’s feeling, aware of bad result from
drinking toward family and wanted them to be happy. Lastly, social factors were criticism about alcoholism
by the community, recognizing of harmful effects of drinking to community, and building awareness of
harmful effects of alcohol by health personnel. Other factors that encourage permanent cut down of
drinking were fear of heavier drinking than before, feeling ashame if get back to drink, and trying to change
discouragement to strong commitment to quit drinking