ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the structural differences that exist between the two treatment regimes: one, a community-based day centre, the other an alcoholism clinic based in a district general hospital. The treatment approach adopted by the former operates mainly with in a “medical/organic” paradigm which focuses, primarily, towards the medical/psychiatric management of alcohol-related problems. Social work and referral to specialised alcoholism unitsDaily attendance. Individual and group counselling, plus a variety of other groups. All patients presenting to Northwick Park Hospital with alcohol-related problems are referred from their general practitioners to either the general medical or psychiatric services of the hospital. With regard to hospital treatment, length and frequency of follow-up is determined by agreement between doctors and patients. Attitudes and perceptions held by staff and patients have been considered to have important implications for the response to treatment in both organic and psychological disorders.
