ALCOHOL AND SECURE HOSPITAL PATIENTS - I - AN EXAMINATION OF THE NATURE AND PREVALENCE OF ALCOHOL-PROBLEMS IN SECURE HOSPITAL PATIENTS

The extent and severity of alcohol problems experienced by mentally di sordered patients admitted to maximum security hospitals, whilst not i ncluded in the criteria for admission, is undoubtedly of relevance and importance in planning the treatment and future disposal of these pat ients. The study to be described attempts to address such concerns by means of applying an extensive assessment approach with a substantial patient population drawn from three of the four Secure Hospitals withi n the United Kingdom (n=211). Measures utilised included semi-structur ed interview, standardised questionnaires and clinical reports contain ed in case records. Detailed information is provided on weekly consump tion levels, problems related to drinking, severity of dependence on a lcohol, and use of alcohol at the time of offences. Results highlighte d not only the high prevalence, but the extreme severity of alcohol di fficulties evident amongst the patient sample, as well as substantial use of alcohol at the time of offences; Future papers will explore fur ther the characteristics of patients with a history of problem drinkin g and the possible relationship between alcohol and offending. This st udy represents the first major, detailed and comprehensive assessment of alcohol problems in an extensive sample of secure hospital patients . The implications of these findings for the development of therapeuti c services and the future disposal of these patients is emphasised.