[Alcoholism in the general hospital: detection and treatment]

Alcohol is an important factor in hospital admissions. Few publications have studied how alcoholics are handled in hospitals.

All inpatient referrals (IPC) to our Alcohol Unit (n=212) during 12 months were analyzed.

Four departments accounted for 80% of IPC, which represented 3% of all admissions in these departments. 72% of patients showed important psycho-social problems, 46% had had previous admissions to the hospital, and 21% had been visited by the Alcohol Unit earlier. Treatment was not offered at discharge to 20% of patients because of their severe psycho-social or physical deterioration. 17% of patients refused treatment.

Alcoholism in inpatients is underdiagnosed. Only the most severe cases are detected. Those who might benefit the most are often undiagnosed.