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Abstract
Although it is a common belief that working with drug misusers is relatively stressing, there is very little empirical evidence for or against this contention. As a pilot survey, sixty staff working in 10 inner-city drug de pendency treatment clinics were assessed by questionnaire for burnout levels, work satisfaction, perceived causes of stress, and strategies or situations to prevent or alleviate stress. While scores of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation were expressed in the direction of burnout, self ratings of personal effectiveness remained high and about half were satisfied with their job. Factors relating to high workload, superiors and management were perceived as highly pressuring, but at the other extreme, conflict between work and home demand gave rise to few problems. Relationships with relatives, partners or friends, were rated as most protective against stress. Factors which may contribute to stress are discussed as well as putative strategies to avoid or alleviate it.