Conservation of Resources Theory by Stevan E. Hobfoll and prediction of alcohol dependent persons’ abstinence

Introduction
Stevan E. Hobfoll’s Conservation of Resources Theory (COR) may be an alternative concept of alcohol dependence understanding. COR is based on the premise that human activity is focused on gaining, maintaining and protecting resources. The gain or loss of resources is fundamental to the quality of life and motivation for change. In this perspective, loss of resources, or lack of opportunity to gain them, explain the high percentage of relapsing patients. The aim of the study is to answer whether maintaining abstinence be predicted, what kind of resources play a key role in the several steps of recovery and to whom it is worth applying the total abstinence-based model on the one hand and the harm reduction approach on the other.

Material and methods
Questionnaire longitudinal studies of 350 alcohol dependent persons were used. A series of 2 comparisons of independent variables (level, gain and loss of resources) were made in the 1st and 6th month following the start of therapy. As measurement method was applied Hobfoll’s Conservation of Resources Evaluation Questionnaire (COR-E in Polish version).

Results
Distribution of resources is of great significance in maintaining abstinence. It is important for the alcohol dependent person’s recovery process to have the opportunity to gain resources. Personal characteristics resources play a particular role. Experiencing loss of resources at the start of treatment often determines which of the patients will return to drinking.

Discussion
Study analyses provide empirical support for research on the role of supportive factors in alcohol dependent persons recovery process. The project highlights the existence of a group of patients in case of whom harm reduction strategy would be more effective than the total abstinence-based model.

Conclusions
The basic amount of resources and the ability to gain them is the source of motivation for change in the therapy of alcohol dependent persons.