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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
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Murine Drinking Models in the Development of Pharmacotherapies for Alcoholism: Drinking in the Dark and Two-bottle Choice
Published on: January 7, 2019
Skid row alcoholism. A distinct sociomedical entity.
Archives of Internal Medicine
|March 1, 1976
Summary
Skid row alcoholism presents a distinct medical profile, with higher rates of trauma, infections, malnutrition, and neurological issues compared to non-skid row alcoholics. Cardiovascular diseases were less common in this group.
Area of Science:
- Medical sociology
- Public health
- Addiction medicine
Background:
- Alcoholism is a significant public health issue with varying manifestations.
- The specific health profile of individuals experiencing homelessness and alcoholism (skid row alcoholism) requires detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the physical disease characteristics of skid row male alcoholics with non-skid row male alcoholics.
- To determine if skid row alcoholism is associated with a distinct medical and social profile.
Main Methods:
- A detailed comparison of physical disease characteristics was conducted.
- The study included 125 skid row male alcoholics and 736 non-skid row male alcoholics.
Main Results:
- Skid row alcoholics exhibited higher incidences of trauma, tuberculosis, venereal disease, malnutrition, epilepsy, nervous system disorders, gastritis, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Conversely, conditions such as fatty liver, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and cardiovascular diseases were less prevalent in the skid row group.
Conclusions:
- Skid row alcoholism is characterized by a unique sociomedical profile, influenced by its distinct social environment.
- This distinct profile suggests that skid row alcoholism should be recognized as a separate sociomedical entity.
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