OUTPATIENT ALCOHOL DETOXIFICATION - OUTCOME AFTER 2 MONTHS

We assessed the outcome after 2 months of 28 alcohol-dependent subject s following out-patient detoxification using an uncontrolled follow-up study with data collected at the time of detoxification (T1) and afte r 2 months (T2). We also determined the cost of out-patient versus inp atient detoxification. The setting was a psychiatric emergency clinic at a South West London University Hospital. Self-reported alcohol cons umption in the week before T1 and T-2 score on the 'Alcohol Problems I nventory' measuring alcohol-related relational, occupation, legal and medical problems in the 2 months prior to T1 and T2, mean corpuscular volume and gamma-glutamyl transferase at T1 and T-2 were used as outco me measures. Eight subjects had a 'good' outcome (seven were abstinent and one only drank four units on one day). Nine subjects were 'improv ed' by either halving their alcohol consumption, or halving their 'Alc ohol Problems Inventory' score at T2. 'Good' and 'improved' outcome we re confirmed by mean corpuscular volume and gamma-glutamyl transferenc e results. Eleven subjects were 'not improved'. Engagement following d etoxification with voluntary alcohol agencies was associated with a be tter outcome. In-patient detoxification is calculated to be six times more expensive than out-patient detoxification. Out-patient detoxifica tion is a cost-effective step in the treatment of alcohol-dependent pa tients.