Gary Haugland, MA, Center for the Study of Issues in Public Mental Health, Nathan Kline Institute, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY 10962, 845 398 6580, hauglan@nki.rfmh.org and Mary Jane Alexander, PhD, Center for the Study of Issues in Public Mental Health, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY 10962.

It is well recognized that early detection of co-occurring disorders can lead to more appropriately targeted services. A first step in this process is the use of screening instruments. We report on the utility of the DALI - a substance abuse screen developed for persons with severe mental illness - among persons with and without mental illness who are marginally engaged in treatment systems. Subjects were recruited from mental health and street outreach programs, psychiatric emergency rooms, homeless shelters and county jails, and represented a diversity of cultural groups.

Results indicate that this screen is reasonably accurate in identifying persons at elevated risk of having substance abuse problems. As it relies on self-reported problems associated with use, subjects at risk of losing housing, benefits or other immediate sanctions were more reluctant about revealing current use than past problems. A screen that can be easily administered and scored is likely to be more acceptable as an adjunct to staff activities.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to understand the utility of and problems associated with screening for substance abuse.
• Participants will learn about additional factors associated with co-occurring disorders in populations not fully engaged in treatment.

Keywords: Co-morbid, Service Integration

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.