Keeley cure

Kee·ley cure

noun \ˈkē-lē-\

Definition of KEELEY CURE

: a method of treatment for alcoholism that was formerly used

Biographical Note for KEELEY CURE

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. Around 1879 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 of success with only a few relapses. The medical establishment dismissed him as a charlatan.