Dukakis Says Wife May Seek More Therapy

Gov. Michael S. Dukakis on Monday described his wife’s ingestion of rubbing alcohol as “a slip” and said decisions about her further treatment would be made in the next few days.

Kitty Dukakis is a recovering alcoholic who has been treated for chemical dependency.

“Obviously, my principal concern is making sure Kitty has the opportunity to pursue her recovery with some privacy and some space,” Dukakis said in briefing reporters about his wife’s condition. “The important thing is to get back on track.”

The governor refused to answer questions but did say that he had visited his wife at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and that she was feeling “much better” on Monday.

He said that no decision about further treatment had been made but that his wife would decide after consulting with her doctors. “Recovery is a lifelong process,” he said.

Mrs. Dukakis, 52, was brought to the hospital in an ambulance on Nov. 6. Her doctor said she suffered from a “severe reaction” after drinking a small amount of rubbing alcohol.

Experts on alcoholism say it is not unusual for an alcoholic to drink rubbing alcohol, hair spray or any other product that contains alcohol when liquor is unavailable.