A structured programme for out-patient alcohol detoxification.
An out-patient alcohol detoxification service based in a psychiatric emergency clinic is described. Of 173 patients referred during the first year, 76 (44%) were accepted for the programme; 60 (79%) of these successfully completed detoxification with no medical complications. Compared with previous years, during the year of operation of the service there was a 50% fall in the number of in-patient admissions for detoxification to the local hospital. We conclude that a structured out-patient detoxification programme is safe and effective, and may obviate the need for many patients to be admitted, freeing psychiatric beds for other uses.
Collins
M N
MN
Department of Psychiatry, St George's Hospital Medical School, Tooting, London.
Burns
T
T
van den Berk
P A
PA
Tubman
G F
GF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000628:therapy*; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D003376:Counseling; D003975:Diazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital
D003975:Diazepam