Clinical Staff Training for Treatment of Both Drug and Alcohol Dependent Patients

Abstract

During the last several years there have been numerous persuasive evidences that the traditional stereotypes of the “pure” or heroinonly addict and the “pure” alcoholic were highly inaccurate stereotypes of substance abuse behavior. Analyses of clinical case loads have identified a growing middle ground of multiple substance use between the poles of heroin and alcohol abuse. Such drug use reflects a repertoire of responses to the availability of funds and of drugs in the street, and is influenced by peer group habits. As well, it may reflect the psychosocial state of interest toward particular drug actions.