Of grave concern to all who are involved in the delivery of health and mental health services are two recently-observed trends in the drug and alcohol abusing population: the emergence of formerly hidden individuals in need of treatment (among them women, children and the elderly), and the increasing incidence and severity of emotional problems among abusers. How much these changes are a reflection of a general raising of consciousness or an indication that society is becoming "sicker" is a moot question. The issue of concern is whether the existing human service systems are equipped to handle these growing problems, whether newer modes of organizing health services are addressing these needs; in short, whether society is prepared to make a full commitment to all population--segments including those who are drug dependent and drug abusing. To do so, means to address a number of factors that are relevant to health care generally and are essential if the health problem is directly or symptomatically that of alcohol abuse. (Author)