Dual Substance Abusers Seeking Treatment: Demographic, Substance-Related, and Treatment Utilization Characteristics

Abstract

High comorbidity exists between alcohol and drug-related disorders. However, little information is available on characteristics of clients abusing both alcohol and illicit drugs (so-called dual substance abusers). The proportion of dual substance abusers and their characteristics are examined in a sample of 1,626 clients seeking treatment in one of the 16 participating centers in the province of Antwerp (Belgium). More than a quarter of all clients were identified as dual substance abusers. Their characteristics correspond better to those of drug abusers than to those of alcohol abusers, but compared to the former, they are younger, more often male, use more types of illicit substances and more often use stimulating substances. Alcohol is often underestimated in substance use patterns. Thorough alcohol assessment, early intervention, and preventive actions are needed within the drug treatment system, and closer collaboration with the alcohol treatment system is absolutely essential.