Mental Health Professionals' Knowledge and Perceptions of Problematic Alcohol and Substance Use: A Questionnaire Survey

Abstract

The drug and alcohol related knowledge and perceptions of clinicians were examined in order for the Substance Use and Mental Illness Treatment Team to develop a relevant training curriculum for clinicians. A questionnaire on knowledge, skills, attitudes, and practices was distributed to 378 clinicians in Victoria. One hundred and seventy-three clinicians returned the questionnaire giving an overall response rate of 46%. The survey results showed that, although both a knowledge and skills gap exists in assessment and management of alcohol and drug problems, knowledge levels were of an adequate standard overall. Notable areas of weakness included basic knowledge of alcohol and drugs, such as the number of grams of alcohol in a standard drink and the number of alcohol-free days per week recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council. While positive attitudes towards problematic drug and alcohol issues were expressed, specific educational programs to enhance skills in assessment and management of problematic drug and alcohol users are needed.