Abstract
This qualitative study asks the question “What are the perceived strengths and weaknesses of an outpatient dual diagnosis substance abuse program, and secondarily, what are the implications for improvement?” Research participants included staff who participated in one on one interviews and clients who participated in two focus groups. The study obtained staff and client impressions and identified main themes leading to program improvement. Emergent themes were client and practitioner access to resources, peer support, community integration and isolation, clinical tools and training, and multi-disciplinary team efforts. Recommendations for program improvement concentrated on these key themes.