This study analyzed long-term outcome of 178 alcohol dependent women admitted to a French alcohology centre for alcohol withdrawal. At follow-up, 18 patients had died – 6 of these deaths were due to suicide. 44% of patients had a good outcome determined by the state of alcoholization (abstinence or moderate consumption) & an improvement in the quality of life. Enrollment in a fellowship of recovering alcoholics was more frequent in abstinent patients. (45 refs.)