RESUMO
The treatments used between 1900 and 1930 for morphine withdrawal are discussed. The accounts are mainly taken from contemporary textbooks which contain fascinating descriptions of their authors' preferred methods and criticisms of regimes given by other therapists. Delirium, produced by atropine or similar substances, is advocated to cover withdrawal symptoms. The present paper draws parallels with current issues, e.g. withdrawal of opiate under cover of general anaesthesia, follow-up studies and cost-benefit analyses. The particular problems of addicted doctors in 1900-1930 are addressed as are the comparisons then made with non-medically qualified addicts. It is important we keep in mind past mistakes and over-valued ideas so as to reduce any similarly misplaced optimism in our current treatment options.
Assuntos
Tratamento Farmacológico/história , Morfina/história , Síndrome de Abstinência a Substâncias/história , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/história , História do Século XX , HumanosRESUMO
Modern conferences on alcoholism receive research papers and stimulate multidisciplinary discussion, but this is not new, similar events took place 100 years ago. The published proceedings of Chester's conference of 1895 are reviewed and compared with recent conferences. Subjects then included alcohol's effect on the foetus, particular facets of women's drinking and increased availability in grocer's shops, the young and evaluation of educational programmes, alcohol in the workplace, long term control studies on alcoholics, laboratory studies on reaction time, attitude of the popular press, effects of restrictions in outlets and hours and lessons to be learnt from such in Scotland, and political and legislative remedies including evidence from Scandinavia. A full knowledge of earlier research and experience may modify current thinking and prevent simple repetition of previous endeavour.
Assuntos
Alcoolismo/história , Congressos como Assunto/história , História do Século XIX , História do Século XX , Humanos , Reino UnidoRESUMO
During a 3 year prospective study, 223 new patients aged 65 and over were seen at their own residences. This setting enabled a detailed record to be made of current medication and alcohol use. The average consumption was 2.9 different drugs daily per patient, but one-third of the patients took 4 or more different preparations. One patient in 10 showed a severe alcohol-related problem. These findings were in a group with an average age of 77, not overtly physically ill, referred for a psychiatric opinion.
