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.
Department of Psychiatry, St George's Hospital Medical School, Tooting, London.
M N
MN
Collins
T
T
Burns
P A
PA
van den Berk
G F
GF
Tubman
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