Press enter after choosing selection

Alcoholism, Drug Abuse Clinic Opens

Alcoholism, Drug Abuse Clinic Opens image
Parent Issue
Day
16
Month
February
Year
1975
Copyright
Copyright Protected
Rights Held By
Donated by the Ann Arbor News. © The Ann Arbor News.
OCR Text

A new psychiatrie clinic offisfing a multiple-therapy approach to alc'oholism and other drug dependence has opened at the U-M Hospital. Located in the department of psychiatry outpatient facility in the newly renovated Riverview Building, Broadway at Wall Street, the clinic is directed by Dr. Meivin L. Selzer, U-M professor of psychiatry. "The clinie's goal is to improve and expand our service to patients who suffer from substance abuse," said Dr. Albert J. Silverman, chairman of the department of psychiatry. "We also expect to develop new insights into the problem of addiction and to institute innovative methods to combat it." The clinic is funded by an $88,000 grant ffrom the Michigan Office of Substance Abuse of the Michigan Department of Health. Treatment of psychological problems, which are often "glossed over" in sorrie clinics, will be a central part of the U-M program. Recent research soon to be reported by Dr. Selzer and his associates indicates that as many as one-third of all adult male alcoholics suffer from severe underlying depression. A diagnostic questionnaire to uncover i these sorts of personality disorders has been developed, and eventually will bel used to créate a multiple-therapy approach tailored to each patient's psychosocial profile. "The idea is to develop rapid and effective means to determine these characteristics, and then to make treatment more responsive and less random," Dr. Selzer said. "In a hypothetical example," he explained, "for a male alcoholic, we might prescribe psychotherapy to help him understand underlying personality factors, marital therapy to ease conflicts with his wife, drugs to combat depression, and Antabuse (an alcohol antagonist) to reinforce his commitment not to drink." The multiple-treatment approach might also include'group therapy, family therapy, and participation in an educational program. Psychotherapy is a major component of the program, but is effective only if used in conjunction with medical and other support measures, Dr. Selzer emphasized. The clinic also will work cooperatively with such agencies as Alcoholics Anonymous and Drug Help. Although individual cases are difficult to predict, statistically the outlook for "cure" or control of alcoholism is excellent, Dr. Selzer said. The treatment usually requires complete sobriety, no drinking at all, he said, but, with help most patients learn that they can be comfortable in this state which is not as empty or threatening as theythink. Most of its clients will be f rom the Washtenaw County area.