Treating the hearing-impaired in a standard chemical dependence unit

Treatment of deaf chemical-dependent patients is considered difficult except in special facilities. We summarize the treatment of three such patients in a standard chemical dependence unit. The deaf patients were involved completely in the unit, with as few concessions as possible made to their deafness. One of the three deaf patients achieved complete sobriety through treatment. However, it was thought that all patients had gained in quality of life and productivity. We recommend techniques to modify standard facilities when specialized programs for deaf patients are unavailable.