Medical Dictionary
Main Entry:
Kee·ley cure Pronunciation:
'kE-lE- Function:
noun : a method of treatment for alcoholism that was formerly used
Keeley,Leslie E. (1832–1900), American physician. Keeley is remembered for implementing a kind of institutional care as a treatment method for chronic alcoholism and drug addiction. Around1879 he developed his treatment which consisted chiefly of injecting institutionalized patients with a chloride of gold and allowing them unlimited access to liquor. Keeley claimed a very high rate ofsuccess with only a few relapses. The medical establishment dismissed him as a charlatan.
