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
Ways to cease drinking permanently consisted of, 1) management of withdrawal syndrome by
cutting down drinking abruptly, using family for mental support, being patient and endurance, and avoid
going out to drink 2) management of cut down drinking permanently required, thinking of the positive side
of cut down drinking to oneself, family and society, having strong will to refuse drinking, using family
encouragement , and avoid things that may induce drinking. The informants reported of barriers in the
cutting down drinking process which included: 1) unable to control oneself 2 ) weak personality, unable to
express oneself 3 ) the family could not refuse when he needed alcohol 4 ) having alcoholic drink in the
house and, 5 ) having party with friends.
The research findings indicated that a person must have strong commitment and self-efficacy
in order to cut down drinking permanently. The important reinforcement were the acceptance and support
from family and community that would empower the person who wanted to cut down drinking to have strong
will , feeling of self worthiness, and having confidence that he could stop drinking forever. Thus, it is
essential to promote self – efficacy and social support in the treatment of alcoholism.
Keywords: Cut down of alcohol intake, Alcohol dependence