A Qualitative Assessment of Insomnia in Recovering Alcohol-dependent Patients

Insomnia is a common symptom that may interfere with the efforts of alcohol-dependent patients to initiate and maintain sobriety. This study investigates the experiences of recovering alcohol-dependent patients with insomnia as well as preferences for treatment strategies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 patients in Ukraine and Germany. Most of the patients experienced negative psychological (n = 21), physiological (n = 14) effects and negative daytime consequences during insomnia. All 27 patients were engaged in nonpharmacological approaches to insomnia and 52% used pharmacological approaches to manage insomnia. This study provides insight for understanding how alcohol-dependent patients in recovery perceive insomnia.