Identifying Chemical Use Problems in a Community Clinic

Abstract

Clinical staff at a community health clinic reported that chemical use problems were highly prevalent in the population served. We designed a survey to gather objective patient data concerning chemical use patterns and related family and social problems. A stratified random sample (n = 125) was drawn from the total clinic weekly appointment book schedules (TCSS group). A comparison sample composed of 147 persons was drawn from all clients receiving mental health services (MHS group). For both groups, staff reported observations regarding chemical use patterns and associated problems, and described type and severity of family problems. Thirty percent of the total clinical services sample (TCSS) families had at least one member using drugs at the circumstantial-situational level, this compared with 39 percent of the MHS group. The survey results confirm impressions that chemical use and associated problems such as co-dependency are significant factors affecting both individuals and families.