Alcoholism is one of the most common chronic disorders in the western world that causes and aggravates a whole range of diseases and disorders. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of cases of erectile dysfunction (ED) among the alcoholics attending a detoxification unit.

100 male alcoholic patients were selected from all consecutive visits to an alcohol outpatient unit. The diagnosis of ED was determined using the SQUED questionnaire for ED (score <= 12). All the patients were questioned about their use of alcohol and other drugs, the organic diseases they were suffering from and the pharmacological treatment they were receiving.

One hundred patients recruited had a mean age of 47.2 ± 9.8 years. The mean daily amount of alcohol consumed was 14.4 ± 7.6 standard drink units, the mean frequency being 6.5 +- 1.4 days a week. The abstinence time over the last six months was 14.2 ± 9.8 weeks. 83% of patients were smokers and 29% consumed hypnotics-sedatives. 73% of patients were on pharmacological treatment (57% for alcoholic detoxification, 33% with antidepressants). According to the SQUED questionnaire, 26% of patients presented ED and 20% had had no sexual relationship during the last 6 months.

The prevalence of ED in alcoholic patients was high (26-46%). The diagnosis and treatment of ED should be an aspect to be taken into account in this type of patients to reduce their anxiety and so aid in preventing possible relapses of their alcoholism.