Alcohol home detoxification

Traditional inpatient treatments for alcohol-related problems often prevent the problem drinker from seeking early intervention. Inpatient treatment may be particularly difficult for women because of stigma, labelling and family commitments. An alternative, home-based program initiated in the United Kingdom (U.K.) in the late 1980s and currently being trialed by many health districts, may be of interest to Canadian nurses. In addition to improved client outcomes and cost-effectiveness, the program offers nurses a higher public and medical profile. Clinical nurse specialists in particular may want to consider whether the expanded role of their British colleagues might be appropriate for Canadian adaptation.