ABSTRACT
In the preceding two chapters, we have seen how important it is to consider the distinct characteristics of individual chemically dependent patients. Specifically, we saw how the distinct characteristics of the population of the dually diagnosed or of those with an African-American racial identity suggest specific clinical concerns and sensitivities we must possess when designing and delivering treatment interventions. In this chapter, we extend the philosophy that the characteristics of special-treatment populations must be considered as we examine seven contemporary populations of chemically dependent patients: (1) criminal or prison-based populations, (2) pregnant women, (3) adolescents, (4) persons without medical insurance, (5) persons who have tested positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or present with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), (6) methadone-maintained clients, and (7) homeless chemically dependent persons. The way in which population characteristics influence treatment program design is explored.
