Prospective patients' reactions to alcoholism clinic referral

Thirty-seven patients were interviewed at home before their initial appointment at an alcoholism clinic to discover their reactions to referral, attitudes to attending and expectations of what would happen. Referral for the majority was not initiated by the patients themselves but usually by the general practitioner, sometimes at the request of the patient's spouse. Most felt a sense of relief on receiving an appointment to attend. Although embarrassment about the prospects of attending was commonplace, those who informed all their family and friends of the referral were more likely to attend. Few informed their employer of the appointment. Few had any knowledge of what would happen at the clinic but most expected to be told to stop drinking. Most informants were very optimistic about their prospects of recovery. Information collected during the interviews raises questions about the referral process and how patients may be better prepared for attendance at an alcoholism clinic. The referral agent should deal with any misconceptions and misgivings that patients may have about psychiatric referral and treatment. They should attempt to motivate patients to regard referral as a positive step towards eventual recovery from a drinking problem. The evidence to date suggests that patients who are more carefully prepared for referral and consultation have a more positive attitude towards it.