The role of the generalist in the care of the substance-abusing patient.

Abstract

It will be some time before known effective practices on behalf of patients with ATOD problems are integrated into the mainstream of medical care. Ironically, much of the medical literature centers on the medical and psychiatric complications of substance abuse and on physician attitudes regarding treatment of these patients. Rather the focus should be on the ways in which physicians can intervene early and effectively to treat the substance abuse problem itself. Much of this issue serves to correct the imbalance.