Autonomy of Individuals with Alcohol-Related Disorders: Informed Consent and Empowerment

Abstract

Informed consent is a central concern in the care practice of individuals with alcohol- related disorders, with research and clinical practice indicating that they often refuse or abandon treatment early. In the relational care encounter it is important not only to recognize the patient as the subject of will and decision-making power, but also to pay attention to the experiences of vulnerability and the importance of promoting autonomy.