ALCOHOL HOME DETOXIFICATION - A LITERATURE-REVIEW

FLEEMAN ND

Nd. Fleeman, ALCOHOL HOME DETOXIFICATION - A LITERATURE-REVIEW, Alcohol and alcoholism, 32(6), 1997, pp. 649-656

39

INGLESE

Review

Substance Abuse

Alcohol and alcoholism → ACNP

0735-0414

32

6

1997

649 - 656

ISI

0735-0414(1997)32:6<649:AHD-AL>2.0.ZU;2-S

There are various definitions, aims and objectives of, and settings fo r, detoxification. Careful assessment is essential before any client c an be detoxified at home. Scales and biological markers exist to aid t his process. Close supervision (i.e. two or three home visits a day) i s then required for at least 3 days. Supervision of clients can be don e by the client's general practitioner (GP) or any member of a primary health care team as long as there is adequate specialist support. Cli ents can usually complete home detoxification within 9 days. It is saf e and clinically effective for the vast majority of problem drinkers. Despite increasing the demand for detoxification, it is also cost-effe ctive because it allows better utilization of in-patient facilities in the shea term and should prevent more resources being required furthe r along the treatment continuum. Home detoxification has wide support from both clients and their GPs. Indeed, there are many advantages for the client in detoxifying at home. However inpatient detoxification c an never be replaced entirely. There will always be some problem drink ers for whom home detoxification is not a viable alternative (such as those with severe withdrawal symptoms and those lacking a suitable hom e environment).