http://www.newstime.co.za/Health/Dutch_Centre_Gets_Alcoholics_Off_Booze_A_Draught_At_A_Time/8602/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ggAP_w12eS4TKljcvODgivEW7ZbAhttp://guyism.com/2010/08/dutch-rehab-helps-alcoholics-by-letting-them-continue-to-drink-beer.html The object is to keep their blood alcohol steady and their stress level low to avoid binge drinking. In this situation alcoholic patients are more likely to be amenable to consultations with doctors, psychologists, etc.
Dr Mate would approve. Alcoholics are people too.
Open since last October, Centrum (Centre) Maliebaan in the central Dutch city of Amersfoort allows its residents to drink up to five litres of beer on the premises every day, with an hour between each 500 ml (half-quart) serving.
ASIDE: According to a recent Gallup poll 67% of US adults drink alcohol. This is a slight increase from last year and the highest fraction of the last 25 years. Beer is most popular.