ALCOHOL AND DRUG PROBLEMS AMONG DIVERSE HEALTH AND SOCIAL-SERVICE POPULATIONS

Objectives. This study responds to clinical and research interest in i dentifying alcohol- and drug-related problems in health and social ser vice agency populations. These problems are associated with a variety of illnesses and social problems, and community agencies serve importa nt screening functions. Methods. Indicators of problematic alcohol and drug use are compared across representative samples of clients within a county's alcohol, mental health, and drug treatment systems; hospit al emergency rooms; primary health clinics; criminal justice and welfa re systems; and general population. Results. Agencies followed a consi stent rank ordering in the prevalence of substance abuse indicators. H ighest prevalences were found in the populations of behavioral health agencies, including alcohol, drug, and mental health treatment facilit ies and criminal justice, followed by welfare agencies. General medica l agencies served populations with the lowest prevalence and problem s everity. Conclusion. Health and social service agencies provide signif icant opportunities for the screening and referral of individuals with problematic alcohol and drug use. Although behavioral agencies have h igher potential for referral and intervention, general medical service s may be more effective in conducting prevention and early case-findin g activities.