In Maine a program was initiated to integrate substance abuse services in community health center settings in order that more individuals and their families who are affected by chemical dependency could be reached and treated effectively. Integration was defined as the degree to which substance abuse services addressed the perceived community need for such services and how the services fit into the already existing health care system at each site. In all sites, the new service was perceived as an advantage, with the most frequently cited reason being the convenience of local service. The actual utilization of substance abuse services at any given health center was directly related to the amount of time services had been available, the number of hours the counselor was on site, and the amount of attention the new service had received in the community. Barriers to full integration of substance abuse services into community health services were time, space, and schedule conflicts; incentives to retain trained professionals; maintenance of client confidentiality; and cost/benefit to the health center and contracted substance abuse program in the provision of the service. The successful integration of substance abuse services within a community-based health care delivery system is dependent upon the continual, consistent commitment of all professional staff and boards involved. (ABL)