Public perceptions of substance abuse and how problems are resolved: implications for medical and public health services.
BACKGROUND
Increasing utilization and appeal of substance abuse services requires understanding public perceptions of substance abuse and problem resolution.


METHODS
A statewide survey (N = 439) assessed public views of the prevalence of problems, service utilization, and outcomes using random digit dialing sampling.


RESULTS
Compared with population data, the sample overestimated the prevalence of alcohol and drug problems, accurately gauged rates of help-seeking for substance-related problems, and underestimated rates of recovery, particularly natural resolutions without treatment. Perceived influences on help-seeking included extrinsic pressures like legal problems and wanting help with problems of living related to substance misuse.


CONCLUSIONS
Substance abuse is less prevalent and less intractable than the public perceives, and natural resolutions are common, but appear to be largely hidden from the public view. Implications for reducing barriers and expanding services in healthcare and public health settings are discussed.
Department of Health Behavior and Survey Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA. jtucker@uab.edu
Jalie A
JA
Tucker
H Russell
HR
Foushee
Cathy A
CA
Simpson
D000407:Alabama; D000437:Alcoholism; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D015995:Prevalence; D011639:Public Opinion; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D013689:Telephone