Examination of Problems and Solutions Related to the Chronic 'Revolving Door' Alcohol Abuser

摘要

An estimated 2,430 chronic revolving - detox - door alcohol abusers (CRA's) presently cost Wisconsin taxpayers about $5.8 million annually, most of which is used for multiple detoxification admissions. At most, 5 percent of these individuals are motivated toward recovery within the present system of medically oriented treatment. Detoxification rarely moves CRA's towards recovery, though it does remove CRA's from the life - threatening aspects of acute intoxification, and does seem effective in moving many of the 70 percent of its clients that are not CRA's towards recovery. Inadequacies in s. 52.45, Wisconsin Statutes; fear of lawsuits; lack of funds; misspent funds; restrictive administrative rules; ineffective CRA rehabilitation methods; and the inadequate education of health care professionals all contribute to the alcoholism service system's overreliance on detoxification and underutilization of more effective alternatives for CRA's. A total of 26 recommendations are presented to aid in alleviating the current problem of treating CRA's. Appendices include graphs, forms, screening instruments, survey instruments, interview schedule, nonmedical detox standards, and medical disability criteria. (Author abstract modified).