The admissions and treatment policy of 799 alcoholics admitted to the Regional Alcoholic Unit at Warlingham Park Hospital in the 3-year period 1976–78 are discussed. They show the increasing number of admissions, most of which are making their first appearance. Sex ratio has become almost equal in 1978 with 1.3 males to 1 female, and young alcoholics (30 years and under) make up over 21 per cent of the admissions for the same year. Up to 20 per cent of the patients in each year are of no fixed abode. Over 50 per cent of men are in full time employment at the time of admission. Males seem to take longer to become alcoholics than females. Social classes I, II and V are over represented.
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