Youth & Alcohol polyclinic

In December 2006, the children’s ward of Reinier de Graaf Groep established the first specialist surgery for children with alcohol problems in the Netherlands.

The surgery was established at the initiative of Dr. N. van der Lely (paediatrician) and Ms M.D.C. de Visser (child and youth psychologist).

Treatment at the Youth and Alcohol polyclinic

A child admitted with alcohol poisoning qualifies for the following treatment. Following admission, there is an immediate consultation with the paediatrician concerning the child’s physical condition following his/her alcohol abuse. The pedagogic assistant provides parents and the patient with information about the consequences and dangers of alcohol abuse. After a few weeks, a consultation takes place with the hospital psychologist, who will attempt to understand the reasons for the alcohol abuse. In some cases, patients are referred to organisations that specialise in the treatment of addiction (GGZ, Parnassia, Riagg). If the patient has problems at school, the psychologist will recommend a psychological examination, which will test skills such as concentration and memory. Six months later, the patient will be invited back for a follow-up consultation with the psychologist and paediatrician. Young people can also be referred to the polyclinic by their general practitioner.