title: Typification and processing in a screening unit for drug abusers.
abstract: This paper reports the results of a study into the diagnosis and assignment to treatment of drug abusers that took place in a screening unit of a large drug treatment facility. Based on observation and interviews among clients and screening staff, the research found that the rational assignment of drug abusers to care was made problematic by the features of daily life with which staff had to deal. In particular, custodial goals, such as the need to manage clients, had considerable influence in staff assessments of what "treatment" drug abusers should receive and where they should be sent for care. Conclusions are drawn with regard to improving the capability of these units to better address client, rather than staff and facility organizational, needs.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009519:New York City; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012112:Residential Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration; D013240:Stereotyping; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy