ALCOHOL-CONSUMPTION AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN THERAPEUTIC HOMES FOR THE MENTALLY-ILL

We conducted a study on alcohol consumption habits in the five therape utic homes for the mentally ill in Mannheim. Through assessment by the ir case managers we obtained data from 136 residents. Frequent alcohol use is currently reported in 12.5%. This group of frequent alcohol us ers is characterized by a higher proportion of men, higher age at entr y into the institution and a lower dosage of neuroleptic medication. N o significant relation is found with regard to the age at onset of dis ease, the rehospitalisation rate and the general life satisfaction. Se vere problems through alcohol use are seen only isolated but in all cl ients with an earlier diagnosis of alcohol abuse. According to our res ults alcohol abuse in therapeutic homes is reported less frequently th an in other populations of chronic mentally ill clients. It might be s uspected that mentally ill patients with additional alcohol problems a re not adequately provided with housing in the complementary care syst em. Verification is needed whether through the development of specific offers this deficit can be regressed.