Physical morbidity in patients admitted to a private hospital for detoxification from alcohol

A survey of patients admitted to a private hospital for detoxification from alcohol found similar levels of physical morbidity and withdrawal complications to a group admitted to a National Health Service alcohol treatment unit. Although private patients tended to be older than National Health Service patients, the two groups were similar on a number of other variables. The implications for those involved in the management of patients who abuse alcohol are discussed.