title: Chemical dependency. What to do once you suspect it.
abstract: Chemical dependency is a serious but treatable disease frequently encountered in primary care. By carefully gathering as much data as possible, the physician can successfully intervene and help the patient and family begin a program of recovery. In the case of a resistant patient, formal intervention can facilitate breaking through the wall of denial. As a last resort, commitment to a treatment program is also an option in many states. If a patient steadfastly refuses to admit that he or she has a problem with alcohol or other drugs, the physician should continue to care for the patient and to help his or her family members find a recovery program for themselves.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Practice, St Paul-Ramsey Medical Center, MN 55101.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Schulz
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Mersy
mesh_terms: D000436:Alcoholics Anonymous; D006801:Humans; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011937:Reality Therapy; D012380:Role; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*