An evaluation of services provided drug abusers in an emergency room

This study examines the services provided to drug abusers seen in an emergency room. Research was conducted soley via an examination of hospital records. Patient characteristics were related to the level of services provided, i.e., admission, referral, etc. It was determined that services delivered were generally appropriate to the needs of the patients. However, there appeared to be somewhat of a lack of early intervention services for patients who did not exhibit acute distress. Possible means of enhancing these services are discussed.