Introducing an in-patient treatment for alcohol detoxification into a community setting.

Alcohol detoxification in the UK is not standardized and treatment is usually determined by local policies. Drug regimens are often predetermined and unrelated to the extent and duration of dependence, recent consumption, or previous withdrawal symptoms. Diazepam loading shortens the detoxification period and avoids the indiscriminate use of medication. It has been shown to be effective as an in-patient treatment. This paper examines the feasibility of introducing diazepam loading in a community setting, and discusses the implications that this would have for clinical practice.