Personality assessment of individuals entering treatment for alcohol dependence appears to play a key role in planning the therapy as well as in establishing viable therapeutic treatment goals and their implementation. High Neuroticism and low Conscientiousness (NEO-PI-R) are associated with problematic drinking and alcohol dependence and promote relapse.

Investigation of the personality in alcohol-dependent people entering treatment.

The aim of the current study is to analyze the personality traits of alcohol-dependent people in relation to Polish population norms.

Results for 977 alcohol-dependent patients at the beginning of the treatment programme were subjected to analysis. The focus group comprised 743 men (76%) and 234 women (24%); the average age was 42 years. Personality traits were assessed using the NEO PI-R Personality Inventory adapted into Polish, taking into account age and gender.

The method of agglomeration and k-means clustering for k = 2 were used. A comparison of the sten scores of the entire group with population standards did not reveal any deviations in the core factors; however, three components of Neuroticism displayed higher values. Two clusters emerged: the first group consisted of 556 patients (59%), and the second of 421 patients (41%).

The first profile, characterised by high Neuroticism and low Conscientiousness, is compatible with the majority of results in various populations and predisposes to alcohol abuse, addiction and post-treatment recurrence. The second profile corresponded to the population standard and the presence of traits which are desirable resources in treatment.