Abstract
An outline is presented of the extent of the drug and alcohol problem in Australian today and the relative contribution of legal and illicit drugs is discussed. The impact of these problems on clinical practice is highlighted and the importance of detection and benefit of intervention emphasised. The different perspectives with which health professionals approach these problems are presented in an historical overview, and modern concepts of drug (and alcohol) “dependence” and related “disabilities” are described.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
John B. Saunders
Both authors formerly Public Health Officers Eastern Sydney Area Public Health Unit Previously general practitioner, Orange NSW, Australia.