Treatment in an alcoholism and drug addiction unit.

Estimates of the number of alcoholics in New Zealand indicate that a highly selected minority actually receive treatment for their alcoholism. This report examines who refers these patients to an alcoholism and drug dependence unit, the utilisation of compulsory treatment, and the demographic and social characteristics of the patients. A one year sample of these patients was followed for 12 months to assess treatment outcome. One year after discharge 11 percent had adopted an abstinent life-style. Forty-two percent had been rehospitalised.