The Treatment of Alcoholism with Tetraethylthiuram Disulfide; With Observations on the Effects of Group Reaction Tests and of Test Witnessing

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Abstract
Inherent and environmental causes of alcoholism and its treatment difficulties by known methods are discussed. TETD is discussed as a deterrent and the limitation of of its use in organically sound, intelligent and relatively stable patients is touched upon. The need for focusing attention away from the skid-row derelict toward the skilled, employable, responsible citizenry in prophylaxis is stressed. The toxic hazards of the drug in combination with alcohol are stressed. (92% of initial jail patients were rejected by the author for various organic involvements, and others withheld from treatment after release because of emotional, suicidal or psychotic episodes attendant upon environmental change without adequate emotional outlets in the absence of alcohol.) 41 patients were discussed; 21 prisoners and 20 private patients. Their differences in reaction, attitude, sincerity and success or failure of therapy is detailed. Group alcohol tests were tried with some mutual value since patients observed each others'' reaction and were more deeply impressed. Circulatory collapse accompanied by peripheral vaso-dilation constituted the most serious risk. There were no deaths and none suffered convulsive seizures. An out-patient follow-up and monthly re-supply of the drug was adopted. Among jail patients failure to follow treatment was almost universal. Private patients conformed to only a slightly better degree.