A Survey of Case Mangagement Practices in Addiction Programs

Abstract

Although case management is a term increasingly used to define the support provided to persons who have substance abuse problems, little is known about the nature and extent of its . implementation within addictions treatment. This paper presents the results of a survey of addiction treatment programs in Ontario regarding their perceptions of the availability and nature of case management provided by their programs. Services frequently provided as part of case management by different types of addictions programs included addictions education and counselling, counselling for non-addictions problems, detox and relapse support, crisis intervention, and discussing clients with other staff at the same program. Less frequently provided types of case management included seeing clients in other locations, family/ marital counselling, practical help, employment and financial counselling, and liaison/advocacy with other services on the client's behalf. Similarities in case management services were more apparent than were differences among the addictions programs surveyed.