title: Problematic behavior of drug-dependent patients in the general hospital. A clinical and administrative approach to management.
abstract: Drug-dependent patients in general hospitals behave in ways that are difficult for medical and surgical staff to manage. Common problems include drug-seeking, states of intoxication and withdrawal, poor compliance, and behavior that is disruptive or dangerous to others. The authors describe an approach to these problematic behaviors based upon early recognition, a clinical perspective, and administrative action. Institutional initiatives are needed to overcome the practical and conceptual obstacles to effective management of these patients.
authors.affiliation: Alcohol and Drug Service, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Peteet
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Evans
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000175:diagnosis; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000506:poisoning; D008297:Male; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012931:Social Environment; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs