ABSTRACT
Many IDUs are cooperative with care; however, some drug users may behave in a way that makes the relationship with the outpatient clinician challenging. A collaborative and productive relationship with the IDU can be accomplished by providing care in a nonjudgmental fashion and clearly establishing the goals of the relationship. Although cessation of illegal drug use may be the ultimate goal of the clinician, attempts to treat the addiction without the consent of the IDU are counterproductive and harmful to a therapeutic relationship. A therapeutic alliance with clear expectations on each side of the relationship is essential for completing a course of treatment in the outpatient setting. Ultimately the establishment and maintenance of a respectful therapeutic relationship may facilitate treatment of the addiction.
