Module 6.2: Substance use & misuse

Question 1

What is the difference between substance use & substance misuse?

Answer 1

Substance use =
use of any substance does not lead to detrimental health effects;

where as

Substance misuse does

Question 2

Define and describe the harm minimisation approach to substance use.

Answer 2

Harm minimisation: is an overall aim to minimise /limit the damage arising from the use of alcohol & other drugs to both individuals and the community.

In action:

• Supply reduction
• legislation/law enforcement (customs/ justice system)
• Community attitudes
• Demand reduction
• information & education
• treatment / rehabilitation
• Harm reduction
• education
• information
• treatment
• community intervention

Question 3

What are the 6 stages of the Transtheoretical Model of Change?

Answer 3

1) Pre-contemplation
2) Contemplation
3) Preparation/determination
4) Action
5) Maintenance
6) Relapse & recycling

Question 4

What are some of the potential adverse affect of substance abuse on a person’s well-being (physical, psychological, social) ? (Roizen’s model - the 4L’s)

Answer 4

1) Liver:
Physical or psychological health; accidents or injuries while intoxicated.

2) Lover:
Relationships, family, friends, intimate partner and children.

3) Livelihood/ Lifestyle:
Professional life - lack of concentration
activities / hobbies - impact finances / accommodation

4) Law:
Legal problems related to illegal drug use, drug acquisition, trafficking, criminal activity, DUI

Question 5

What are the main principles of motivational interviewing?

Answer 5

MI is a goal orientated, collaborative counselling style, that seeks to activate a persons intrinsic motivation to change.

1) Engaging
2) Focusing
3) Evoking
4) Planning

Question 6

What are the principles of treatment for individuals with co-occurring disorders?

Answer 6

1) Engagement & Therapeutic alliance:
* non-judgemental
* empathetic
* encouraging

2) MH & A&OD use:
* Harm reduction framework
* Negotiate treatment goals, plans & options

3) Family members:
* Treatment plans & support
* provide information
* keep engaged in treatment

Question 7

When conducting the nursing assessment - what are the questions the nurse would ask to gather information with regards to the person’s current/history of drug / alcohol use/misuse? (5)

Answer 7

• Age of first use
• Reasons for use
• Route of administration
• when & how much last time used
• Triggers