Table 3 GPs' current practice in regard to treatment for substance misuse (N = 53)
Current treatment practices a | % or n |
|---|---|
I conduct diagnostic physiological assessments | Â |
   No | 75% |
   Blood, heart, lung test | 18% |
   Blood test only | 4% |
   Spirometry | 4% |
I prescribe medications for detoxification | Â |
   No | 61% |
Treatments I commonly use are b : | Â |
   Counselling or psychotherapy | 20 |
   Nicotine patch | 11 |
   Non-specified medication | 8 |
   Personal/family responsibility | 4 |
   Alternative therapy | 3 |
   Other | 7 |
   Don't know | 4 |
I provide the following relapse information b : | Â |
   Avoid or reduce contact with drug users | 8 |
   Psychological/personal determination factors most important | 7 |
   Family/friends/social support important | 6 |
   Recommend counselling or pharmacotherapy | 6 |
   No relapse problems | 2 |
   Don't know | 2 |
   Other | 10 |
I refer to social workers or detoxification units | Â |
   No | 39% |
   Yes, some patients | 43% |
   Yes, all patients | 7% |
   Yes, if patient is willing | 5% |
   Not applicable | 7% |