Substance abuse intervention services in public STD clinics: a pilot experience.
Past research reported a gap in substance abuse treatment for patients in sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics. Studies in New York City indicate that approximately 20% of patients with STD show symptoms of alcohol and substance abuse, but only 1% have ever received treatment services. This article reports findings from a pilot project that implemented early intervention service procedures in an STD clinic in New York City. Services implemented included screening for substance use problems, brief interventions, and referral for treatment. Four main issues were explored in this pilot study: the feasibility of implementing early intervention services in an STD clinic; the extent to which patients would accept such interventions; the extent to which STD staff would be ready to integrate substance abuse services into their primary care protocols; and the likelihood of sustaining such services in an STD environment. Results and recommendations are provided and discussed.
Yu
Jiang
J
New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, Albany, NY 12203, USA.
Appel
Philip W
PW
Warren
Barbara E
BE
Rubin
Steve
S
Gutierrez
Rodolfo
R
Larson
Brett
B
Robinson
Harold
H
D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015897:Comorbidity; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009042:Motivation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods; D017150:Public Sector; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*