Detoxification, in an inpatient or outpatient program, is the primary and essential step for managing alcohol dependence. The superiority of one or other method of detoxification has never been proved in several previous randomized clinical trials (RCT). The aim of this multicenter RCT was to compare efficiency, on the abstinence rate as the primary outcome, at 1 and 3 months follow-up of two alcohol detoxification programs (a 5/7-days inpatient detox vs. an ambulatory detox).
Among patients consulting in 4 alcohol treatment centers in France seeking treatment for withdrawal, we included those who met criteria for current alcohol-dependence (DSM IV) and having drinking during the past three days before randomization. Exclusion criteria were: patients' refusal of one or other method, contraindication for outpatient detoxification method (history of DELIRIUM TREMENS or withdrawal seizures), homelessness, Major Depressive Episode assessed by MADRS \> 25, current Substance Abuse Disorder (except nicotine), indication for hospitalization (severe somatic disorder), judicial injunction, family crisis, patients seeking antabuse treatment.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
500
Outpatient detoxification program
BEAUJON Hospital
Clichy, France
Abstinence rate at 3 Months & 6 Months follow-up. Abstinence is defined as no alcohol drinking during the period between the last day of the detoxification program and the evaluation.
Time frame: at 3 Months & 6 Months
Relapse rate. Relapse is defined as drinking more than 4 Units per occasion (3 for women) and more than one occasion per week during the 6 months follow-up after the last day of detoxification program.
Time frame: during the 6 months follow-up
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