Article révisé par les pairs
Résumé : The hospitalization of drug-dependent alcoholics in a nonpsychiatric medical setting raised no difficulty. In fact, prevention of the withdrawal symptoms is perfectly feasible. Diazepam, the only drug used by the authors for this purpose, appears to possess all the requisite qualities both in terms of efficacy and absence of side effects. In these conditions of treatment, the water-mineral, vitamin and caloric balance is easily achieved by resorting exclusively to hydration and oral feeding. The personal care offered to the patient was well received. Its special features are: to promote cooperation between hospital team and social milieu; to arrange a brief stay in hospital for a check up one month after the detoxification cure. Should a relapse occur, early readmission is advised.