Attitudes and perceptions of health professionals toward substance use disorders and substance-dependent individuals

The study investigated the attitudes and perceptions of health professionals toward four substance use disorders and toward substance abusers. An attitude measurement questionnaire and a semantic differential scale were administered to measure nurses' attitudes toward alcohol, nicotine, soft-drug, and hard-drug substance use disorders; and toward individuals' dependence upon the four substances. Statistical analysis revealed that while positive attitudes were indicated toward the disorders, negative perceptions were displayed toward certain substance abusers. The findings are discussed in terms of treatment implications, and the need for attitudinal education in the training and selection of health professionals for work with substance abusers is emphasized.