Mental health professionals' attitudes to drugs and substance abuse.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the mental health professionals' attitudes to drug and substance abuse in Victoria, Australia. The drug- and alcohol-related attitudes of clinicians were examined in order to develop a relevant training curriculum for clinicians. A questionnaire on knowledge, skills, attitudes and practises was distributed to mental health clinicians (n = 378) in Victoria. One hundred and seventy-three clinicians returned the questionnaire, giving an overall response rate of 46%. The survey results show that the attitude of mental health professionals to drug and substance abuse is generally a positive one. The majority of respondents held positive views on treatment interventions and they are optimistic that drug and alcohol dependence are treatable illnesses. A positive and more optimistic attitude towards treatment interventions should enable health professionals, particularly nurses, to provide the necessary care for those in need of medical care.