Improving the cost efficiency of services to the chronic inebriate: an unexpected paradox

An important component of evaluating any mental health or alcoholism treatment service is to examine the accessibility of the facility to individuals in need of such services. The present study examined the question of accessibility of treatment services to the chronic inebriate in terms of program location. Utilization data were compared for periods of time when a "sobering-up" facility was located in the skid row area of downtown Tampa, Florida, and when it subsequently moved to a working-class residential neighborhood 4 miles away. Results suggest that the move resulted in a decrease in inappropriate use of the facility. The potentials for services to the chronic inebriate are discussed.