[Municipal alcohol treatment]

Abstract

In Denmark patients requiring treatment of alcohol abuse do not need a referral in order to seek municipal treatment which is free of charge. A summary of the various forms of treatment is given in this review. Acute alcohol treatment consists of detoxification and treatment of withdrawal symptoms. Untreated withdrawal symptoms increase the risk of kindling and should be avoided. Planned treatment consists of psychosocial therapy, often in combination with pharmacological treatment. The duration of treatment varies, and there is generally good effect of treatment for alcohol use disorders.