A Guide to Substance Abuse Services for Primary Care Clinicians: Concise Desk Reference

The algorithm provided follows a patient with substance use problems who is treated in a primary care setting. The patient flow chart (page 3) will serve as a guide or road map through screening, brief assessment, brief intervention, assessment, referral, specialized treatment, and follow-up care as they are detailed in the TIP. Since substance use disorders are often chronic conditions that progress slowly over time, primary care clinicians, through their regular, long-term contact with patients, are in an ideal position to screen for alcohol and drug problems and monitor each patient's status. Studies have found that primary . . .