The Processes of Referral and Disposal within a London Drug Dependence Clinic

Summary This study looks at the processes whereby individuals with drug problems were referred to a London drug dependence clinic during a seven month period, and at the responses of the clinic to such referrals. One hundred and ninety four cases were referred, mainly from G.P.s. Of the referrals, almost half (44%) failed to attend the clinic. Most of the people who did attend were opiate addicts. The movement of these people through the various procedures of the clinic is described. There were substantial waiting periods between each stage of treatment, though this was not found to be related to attendance or failure to attend. The results are discussed in terms of problems associated with the referral process and the issue of access to treatment facilities. The results provide basic information about the operation of one clinic but raises several important issues that deserve further empirical investigation.