Trends in the characteristics of clients of alcohol/drug treatment services in Ontario.

This paper summarizes the major trends in the characteristics of clients of alcohol/drug treatment services in Ontario from 1979 to 1989. Data were obtained from all provincial treatment programs by surveys undertaken in 1980, 1983, 1986 and 1989. Supplementary archival data are included on the use of American treatment programs by Ontario residents. Across the period of analysis, there has been a rapid increase in the number of alcohol/drug programs and the total treatment case-load. Trends in client characteristics include increased representation of women in the treatment case-load and a shift towards greater drug involvement with or without concomitant alcohol use. In contrast, there has been a small decrease in the proportion of young or elderly clients. The utilization of American treatment services by Ontario residents may partially reflect needs of special target groups, such as adolescents, which are not being met within the Ontario treatment system.