[Alcohol-dependent patients opposed to treatment can be helped by treatment enforced by law].
A 65-year-old man with severe alcohol dependence failed to realise that he was ill and needed treatment. Outpatient treatment was not successful and the patient&rsquo;s physical condition deteriorated and became life-threatening. He was forced by law to undergo inpatient treatment. After more than a year of treatment in a clinic the patient acknowledged he was ill and admitted to being an alcoholic. Compulsory treatment enforced by law for patients with addictive disorders is a complicated process requiring good coordination between the therapists involved. It can be effective and save lives.
t.oosteren@iriszorg.nl
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van Oosteren
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Roomer
D000368:Aged; D057229:Alcoholics / Q000523:psychology*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000628:therapy*; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D016896:Treatment Outcome