Helen Keogh
Question:62 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Health if he has any plans to set up detoxification centres for the treatment of alcoholics over the next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Treatment of Alcoholics.
Detoxification facilities for persons who have consumed excessive amounts of alcohol have traditionally been located in the controlled environment of psychiatric hospitals and, more recently, in general hospitals. Alternative detoxification centres are currently being developed for use by persons who, following medical assessment, are deemed suitable for detoxification in a community setting such as a day hospital.
Detoxification on a day basis has many advantages, not least of which is the avoidance of expense and disruption caused by a hospital admission. Facilities for detoxification will, however, continue to be required in hospital for people who are in an advanced stage of alcoholism who are elderly or who have complicating medical or psychiatric problems.