Severity of alcohol dependence in the East End of Glasgow.
A survey of 100 consecutive admissions for alcohol abuse in 1990 highlights the severity of alcohol dependence in the East End of Glasgow. The survey identifies a specific sub-group of heavy drinkers who consume strong lager, usually in open spaces, referred to locally as 'garden parties'. In the total population, males outnumbered females 3:1 with a mean consumption of 268 and 230 units of alcohol per week, respectively. The severity of alcohol abuse was reflected in their social, physical and central nervous system complications. Two-thirds of the population had a family history of alcohol abuse. Over three-quarters of the population showed self neglect with nearly half the males ascribing their marital breakdown or family neglect directly to their drinking problem. Both sexes showed a high prevalence of history of paraesthesiae, while half the male population had clear signs of peripheral neuropathy on admission. A history of delirium tremens in over 50% of the population with a history of seizures in 21% of males and 35% of females indicates central nervous system involvement. Three sub-groups were identified: history of delirium tremens, history of persecutory ideation and history of serious criminality. All three sub-groups had a shorter length of drinking with higher consumption and increased frequency of 'garden parties' than the group as a whole. This survey reinforces the need for appropriate in-patient detoxification and rehabilitation facilities for patients with severe alcohol dependence, to reduce their impact on other health, social work and criminal justice services.
Jauhar
P
P
Parkhead Hospital, Glasgow, UK.
Watson
A S
AS
D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008108:Liver Diseases, Alcoholic / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology