Out-patient alcohol detoxification--outcome after 2 months.

We assessed the outcome after 2 months of 28 alcohol-dependent subjects following out-patient detoxification using an uncontrolled follow-up study with data collected at the time of detoxification (T1) and after 2 months (T2). We also determined the cost of out-patient versus in-patient detoxification. The setting was a psychiatric emergency clinic at a South West London University Hospital. Self-reported alcohol consumption in the week before T1 and T2, score on the 'Alcohol Problems Inventory' measuring alcohol-related relational, occupation, legal and medical problems in the 2 months prior to T1 and T2, mean corpuscular volume and gamma-glutamyl transferase at T1 and T2 were used as outcome measures. Eight subjects had a 'good' outcome (seven were abstinent and one only drank four units on one day). Nine subjects were 'improved' by either having their alcohol consumption, or halving their 'Alcohol Problems Inventory' score at T2. 'Good' and 'improved' outcome were confirmed by mean corpuscular volume and gamma-glutamyl transferase results. Eleven subjects were 'not improved'. Engagement following detoxification with voluntary alcohol agencies was associated with a better outcome. In-patient detoxification is calculated to be six times more expensive than out-patient detoxification. Out-patient detoxification is a cost-effective step in the treatment of alcohol-dependent patients.