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Abstract: 

Where a substance abuser (addict or alcoholic) is in penal confinement and goes into withdrawal, there is at that point no question as to a constitutional right to appropriate medical care. No medication was ever given to Reid, a known chronic alcoholic; the requisite medications were not even available at the jail. The morning after his admission to jail, Reid buzzed for help, suffered a violent seizure, struck his head on the cement floor suffering a bursting laceration. He underwent an emergency craniectomy but was pronounced brain dead and removed from life support five days later.

Keywords: Stefan v. Olson; withdrawal protocol; blood-alcohol level; Licensed Practical Nurse; video monitoring

Affiliations:  1: Executive Editor.