CONCERNS OF DRUG-ABUSERS ENTERING AN OUTPATIENT TREATMENT PROGRAM

A recent trend in the treatment of drug dependency is to employ a more comprehensive, multidimensional approach. Such approaches require more thorough and complex evaluation procedures. As a supplement to objective assessment of clients' life situation, it is proposed that clients' perceived needs and concerns be addressed. A procedure for evaluating concerns of drug users is presented in which clients rated their concerns for 109 specific items, comprising six major categories. This procedure was applied with eighty-one drug abusers entering an outpatient treatment program. Clients showed a great range of concerns and a large percentage of the abusers had major concerns about areas which might not be predicted on the basis of their actual situation. The utility of such information for individual treatment and program planning is discussed.