THE LANGTON CLINIC CLIENTELE: CHARACTERISTICS OF OUTPATIENTS

SUMMARY One year's experience of patients seeking treatment for the first time at the Langton Clinic, but not admitted, in 1980‐81, is reviewed. The majority (did%) 64 not require admission, while 30% needed admission but declined the offer. Of all patients attending however, those who declined were only 11% of those who needed admission. Alcohol‐related problems accounted for 75% of the outpatients, including some nondependent abusers, abstinent alcoholics and social drinkers with transitory disturbances. Of the 18% who were abusing some other drug with or without alcohol abuse, 10% were opiate dependent. Outpatient alcohol dependents tended to be younger and to have suffered less social damage than inpatients.