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A community-centered alcoholism assessment/treatment service: a descriptive study
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie
|February 1, 1985
Summary
This study analyzed 407 patients with alcoholism and drug abuse, finding they represent a diverse group similar to those in traditional programs. A key difference was their referral sources, which evolved over three years.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Public Health
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Alcoholism and drug abuse affect a significant portion of the population.
- Community-based programs offer an alternative to traditional treatment facilities.
- Understanding patient characteristics is crucial for effective service planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the characteristics of patients in a community-based alcoholism and drug abuse program.
- To compare these patients with those in traditional treatment settings.
- To analyze changes in referral sources over a three-year period.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 407 patients assessed over three years.
- Data collected included socio-demographic, alcohol-related, legal, medical, behavioral, and treatment characteristics.
- Comparison of patient profiles with those in outpatient and residential facilities.
Main Results:
- Patients in the community program were a cross-section of local alcoholics.
- Demographics, alcoholism severity, and treatment history were similar to traditional programs.
- Patients were slightly younger and differed in referral sources, which changed significantly over time.
Conclusions:
- Community-based programs attract a representative patient population.
- Referral source dynamics are important for program development and outreach.
- Findings inform the planning of comprehensive alcoholism treatment services.