NCJ Number
117909
Journal
Druglink Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: (March/April 1989) Pages: 13-15
Date Published
1989
Length
1 page
Annotation
Because of the AIDS epidemic, the priority of drug services is to encourage drug users into treatment and to move them to less risky drugtaking as a first step on a road leading ultimately to abstinence.
Abstract
In Portsmouth (Great Britain), a methadone program was developed in response to staff dissatisfaction with the confrontational style of management of methadone clients and to growing concern about attracting clients to treatment due to HIV infection among drug users. In this new program, most opiate using clients are self-referred and there is no waiting list. Motivational interviewing is initiated in a client-led process aimed at helping clients identify and share concerns about their problems and to reach decisions about making changes in their lives. There is no fixed reduction program, as clients are encouraged to make decisions about reduction or admission for detoxification themselves. Relationships between staff and clients are much improved in this program, and this has benefited the work of the clinic as a whole.