Management problems in a small hostel with a controlled drinking programme
Gilligan, T.; Norris, H.; Yates, F.E.
British Journal of Addiction 78(3): 277-290
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0952-0481 PMID: 6578830 Document Number: 213252
Some difficulties encountered in the management of a hostel for problem drinkers, which offered a controlled drinking program are described. Compared with a similar hostel with an abstinence program, there were more incidents of illicit drinking and consequent disruption. A number of reasons for this are discussed, in particular the difficulty of defining illicit drinking in the controlled drinking program. The dual function of drinking limits in alcoholism treatment programs, as both treatment aim and rule, is considered. The problems arose from a clash between the rule functions of the hostel and the drinking aim, not from the controlled drinking aim in itself. Suggestions for other ways of managing a controlled drinking program are offered.