Findings indicate a statistically significant relationship between number of doses and incidence of flashbacks. A primary care unit combined with residential addiction treatment allows patients with addictive disease and chronic medical or psychiatric problems to successfully complete the treatment. These are patients who would otherwise fail treatment or fail to be considered candidates for treatment. Health care providers should have a background in primary care and have the potential to respond professionally to clinical problems in behavioral medicine. Ongoing professional training and statistical quality management principles can maintain morale and productivity.
Health education is an integral part of primary care.
The costs of such concurrent care when viewed in the context of the high societal and economic costs of untreated addictive disease and untreated chronic medical problems are low. The principles used to develop this primary care unit can be used to develop health care units for other underserved populations. These principles include identification of specific health care priorities and continuity of rapport with the target population and with addiction treatment staff. In light of new welfare reforms, it is essential that public welfare workers move individuals from welfare to work in an expedient fashion. When indicated, the client could then be referred to the appropriate agency for further assessment and treatment, to better prepare them for employment as mandated by new welfare reforms.