The authors describe a course in substance abuse given to sophomore
medical students with the intention of positively influencing their
attitudes toward substance-abusing patients and their treatment. Clinical
problem solving and small group discussion were emphasized in addition to
field trips. By pretest and posttest measures, significant positive changes
were obtained in student attitudes: they reported feeling less upset when
they encountered alcoholics, "hard" drug abusers, "soft" drug abusers,
compulsive smokers, and obese overeaters as well as having a more positive
view of the physician's role in the treatment of substance dependence.
Personal experience with alcohol and other drugs was shown to have an
influence on attitude changes.Abstract Teaser