Question

1. What type of patients are at risk for addiction?

2. What tools are used to screen for alcohol/substance abuse?

3. What questions do you ask to screen for alcohol and substance abuse?

4. What at type of support will you recommend for a recovering Alcoholic that is no longer able to attend weekly support groups due to social distancing?

Answer 1

1. Alcoholic and substance abusers are at risk for addiction.
Substance abuse is when anyone take drugs in excessive amount and that are not legal. When person use alcohol, prescription medicine, and other legal substances too much or in the wrong way, also listed as risk for addiction.

2. Screen for alcohol and substance abuse:-

a. AUDIT:- Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test

To assess if there is a problem with alcohol dependence.

b. SADQ:- Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire

Used to measure the severity of dependence in a person.

c. DAST:- Drug Abuse Screening Test

To assess drug abuse. Smoking and alcohol are not included in this screening test.

d. CRAFFT:

This is a behavioral health screening tool for teens and adults under 21. In this test six questions are asked.
This test is used to identify that which adult is at risk.

3. For screening of person simple questions should be asked rather than complicated.
Do not blame to peraon about addiction otherwise he will not cooperate.

Questions-

Do you smoke?

How much pack of cigarettes do you smoke in a day?

Do you drink alcohol?

Do you use any other substance?

4. How to support a patient:-

a. Show the positive concern towards patient:-

Try to formulate statements that are positive and supportive and be good with patient. Avoid being negative, hurtful.
Do not blame to patient. Show concern for patient.
Tell him that I’m concerned about how much you’re drinking, and it may be harming your health.

Prepare yourself for every response. Even patient being violent you should stay calm and assure your person anyhowthat i have your respect and support.

b. Conversation with patient at right time:-

Choose the right time to have this important conversation. Provide privacy to patient for the conversation so anyone can't interrupt it. Make sure the patient about his health after regular treatment. Make sure person is not upset or preoccupied with other issues.

c. Aware about health:-

Tell him that you can’t force someone who doesn’t want to go into treatment. be honest with the person and give him time to share his problems.
Alcohol and substance abuse withdrawal is totally depend on patient’s will power.