Case study of a patient with alcohol dependence repeatedly admitted to a detoxification unit

Abstract

While repeated admissions to detoxification for alcohol and drug dependence are generally associated with patients' deteriorating physical and mental conditions, it is not always the case. For some patients their struggle with addiction is a long-term proposition and lifelong abstinence an unrealistic goal, at least for the time being.

This case study covers the repeated hospitalisations of an alcohol-dependent patient at the detoxification unit of the Department of Addictology.

Keywords

• Alcohol
• Addiction
• Repeated hospitalisations
• Detoxification
• Liver function tests