Abstract Aims A recent review found that individuals who have received treatment for alcohol use disorder report several reasons for quitting or reducing alcohol use. However, the reasons varied across studies depending on the measurement method. This study aimed to qualitatively compare, within the same group of individuals in recovery, reasons for quitting or reducing alcohol use as reported on a scale versus an open-ended question. Methods Data were collected from 203 individuals in recovery (Mean age = 42.9, 52.2% male, 77.8% White) who have had treatment for AUD. Participants reported their reasons for quitting or reducing alcohol in two ways: (1) completing the Reasons for Quitting Questionnaire and (2) responding to an open-ended question asking them to list their top three reasons. Thematic coding used a directed content analysis approach. Results Endorsement of themes differed significantly between the two measures. While all scale-based themes also appeared in the open-ended responses, the latter yielded additional unique themes: fear of consequences, religious reasons, and hitting rock bottom. Even for overlapping themes, endorsement levels varied across measures. Conclusions Findings highlight the need for standardization in assessing this construct, as the measurement method influenced the reasons reported. Future research should develop a standardized scale informed by open-ended responses to more accurately capture relevant themes.
Prestigiacomo et al. (Fri,) studied this question.