Integrated drug and alcohol intervention: development of an opportunistic intervention program to reduce alcohol and other substance use among psychiatric patients.
OBJECTIVE
This paper describes the rationale, aims and processes involved in developing and implementing an opportunistic intervention program to reduce substance misuse detected among psychiatric patients.


METHODS
In this randomised, opportunistic intervention program, eligible patients recruited from a large psychiatric hospital and its associated community mental health centres are assigned to receive an integrated drug and alcohol intervention (IDAI) or alternatively allocated to a minimal intervention condition (MI). The IDAI is based on motivational enhancement and cognitive-behavioural principles, and incorporates harm-reduction approaches. This clinical program is based on the research findings and recommendations of the mental health and the drug and alcohol literature.


RESULTS
A collaborative partnership between the Mental Health Services and the Drug and Alcohol Services was formed. Following a relatively short training period, mental health staff were trained to opportunistically detect drug and alcohol problems among psychiatric patients and offer appropriate integrated clinical care.


CONCLUSIONS
The process of implementing an integrated opportunistic intervention program is achievable and can be readily incorporated in psychiatric hospitals and community mental health clinics.
Sitharthan
T
T
Western Sydney Area Drug and Alcohol Services and Westmead Hospital, North Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia. sitharth@wm-general.wsahs.nsw.gov.au
Singh
S
S
Kranitis
P
P
Currie
J
J
Freeman
P
P
Murugesan
G
G
Ludowici
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*