Fifty urban American Indians were interviewed during admission to a
free-standing medical detoxification unit. From the year before the
interview through 2 years of follow-up, this sample averaged 44.6
detoxification admissions and 64.1 days in other inpatient treatment and
had no significant change in the number of annual detoxification
admissions. At follow-up all but three subjects reported recent alcohol
dependence symptoms or episodic alcohol abuse. these patients continued to
experience serious alcohol-related problems despite repeated treatment in
both medical detoxification and inpatient rehabilitation settings. These
findings emphasize the need for more innovative and effective alternatives
to the existing revolving door process.Abstract Teaser