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Outpatient detoxification of alcoholics using alprazolam – a two-year pilot project

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Catherine McCollam ,
Brian O'Shea ,
Larry Browne  and
Mary Lynch
Catherine McCollam
Affiliation:
, Newcastle Hospital, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
Brian O'Shea
Affiliation:
, Newcastle Hospital, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
Larry Browne
Affiliation:
, Newcastle Hospital, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
Mary Lynch
Affiliation:
, Newcastle Hospital, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
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Abstract

Objective -To examine the safety and efficacy of alprazolam as an outpatient detoxification agent. Mehtod - Two-year, prospective, uncontrolled study of detoxification from alcohol employing alprazolam in a North Wicklow day centre. The HAD scale was used to measure emotional change. Results -Detoxification was completed in 26 cases. Adverse effects were mild or absent. Significant changes were recorded in both HAD scale scores. Client and staff satisfaction ratings were both high. Conclusions - Alprazolam is a safe and effective detoxification agent in outpatients. The HAD scale provided an objective measure of changes in anxiety and depression in this group of alcoholics. The treated population were older and more often employed than were alcoholics treated in the parent psychiatric hospital.

Keywords

DetoxificationOutpatientAlprazolamHospital Anxiety and Depression Scale
Type
Clinical & Brief Reports
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 9 , Issue 2 , November 1992 , pp. 123 - 126
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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