Abstract

This study assessed medically hospitalized alcoholics attitudes about pharmacotherapy and interest in primary care-based treatment.

The survey included 50 medical inpatients with current alcohol dependence. Participants were asked to indicate their agreement with the following statements: (1) I need to stop drinking, (2) Some medications can help prevent drinking, (3) If a medication did help prevent drinking, I would like to receive this from a doctor, and (4) I would like a primary care doctor to treat or help treat my drinking problems.

Eighty four percent agreed they needed to stop drinking, 50% agreed that medications help prevent drinking, 66% agreed they would like to receive an effective medication to help prevent drinking, and 32% were interested in primary care treatment.

Medically hospitalized patients with alcohol dependence were interested in effective medication for relapse prevention, but primary care follow-up alone may not adequately address patients' perceived treatment needs.