The Substance Abuse Consultation Team: Addressing the problem of hospitalized substance abusers

The abuse of alcohol and other drugs represents a significant health care problem that has largely gone unrecognized and undiagnosed by physicians. A Substance Abuse Consultation (SAC) Team was initiated at a tertiary-care teaching hospital to provide expert diagnostic, interventional, and management services for hospitalized substance abusers. This preliminary study represents the first 100 consults received and reviewed. All 100 patients agreed to an interview and evaluation by the SAC Team. It was decided that 91 patients needed alcohol and other drug rehabilitation; 69% of these acknowledged having a substance abuse problem and accepted referral for treatment. The results of this report suggest the usefulness of a SAC Team for identification, evaluation, and intervention with hospitalized substance abusers. This program is easily replicable by other general hospitals and may provide a cost-effective, multidisciplinary approach to the abuse of alcohol and other drugs.