Objective: To determine the influence of the legal system on new attenders at an alcohol treatment unit. Method: One hundred and forty seven new patient referrals to an alcohol unit were examined prospectively over a four month period. Data were obtained by standard psychiatric interview, drinking history inventory, Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire and a detailed questionnaire of present and past legal involvement. Subjects were then followed up and the numbers remaining in treatment after the first visit and after one month ascertained. Results: Both legally referred and non-legally referred groups had significant past legal involvement while those attending under legal pressure were found to be as severely addicted as other referral types and to have no greater drop out rate from treatment. Conclusion: It is suggested that legally pressured attenders should be accepted into treatment as readily as other referral types and that greater liaison between the criminal justice system and alcohol treatment units is required.
