Evaluating Service Needs in Drug-Abusing Clients

Abstract

Patients applying for treatment to the State of Illinois' Chicago Central Intake Facility were interviewed to assess their service needs and treatment expectations; a subgroup was reinterviewed after 4 months. Patients were classified as long-term opiod-dependent, short-term opioid-dependent, or as polydrug nonopiod dependent abusers. We found high levels of housing, employment, and legal needs among all subgroups at both first and second interviews. There were significant differences between drug-use groups in reasons for seeking treatment; opiod-dependent groups gave drug-related reasons more frequently while polydrug abusers cited legal reasons. Length of time patients remained in treatment was not related to service needs.