Substance abuse

Question 1

Outline an approach to assessing a teenager for substance use when the mother has present with them during the consultation?

Answer 1

Non judgemental approach
Motivational interviewing
Politely ask the mother to wait briefly in waiting room while you talk with the teenager.
Use an opening statement to place a context to why you are asking about substance use.
HEADSS assessment, home, education, activities, drugs/alcohol, sexuality, suicide/mental health.
I am asking about drugs and alcohol, because i ask every youth about these issues that are common problems in society.
Assess the teenagers competence.
CAGE questionaire

Question 2

What techniques can you employ to help a teenager to stop substance abuse?

Answer 2

Behaviour change
Non judgemental approach
Stages of change model - pre-contemplation, contemplation, action and maintenance
Motivational interviewing - active listening, open ended questions, summarising statements.
Assess severity
Involve the parents
Consider referral to other specialist services Catholic Care drug and alcohol programs, inpatient rehab programs.

Question 3

Outline the common drugs that are abused?

Answer 3

Cannabis, ICE (Methamphetamine) Ecstasy (MDMA)
Tobacco
Alcohol
Prescription drugs Opiods and Benzos
IV drug use

Question 4

Outline your treatment approach to an adolescent abuse?

Answer 4

Psycho-education
Screening, brief intervention, referral to treatment
CRAFFT questionaire, Car, Relax, Alone, Friends, Forget and Trouble
Specialist services, inpatient and outpatient services
Counselling CBT
Psychologist
Acamprosate and naltrexone in alcohol abuse in adults
Methadone and Buprenorphine in Heroin addiction.
N acetyl cysteine in cannabis use

Question 5

What is the CRAFFT questionaire?

Answer 5

C - Have you ever ridden in a CAR driven by someone (including yourself) who was “high” or had been using alcohol or drugs?
R - Do you ever use alcohol or drugs to RELAX, feel better about yourself, or fit in?
A - Do you ever use alcohol/drugs while you are by yourself, ALONE?
F - Do you ever FORGET things you did while using alcohol or drugs?
F - Do your family or FRIENDS ever tell you that you should cut down on your drinking or drug use?
T - Have you gotten into TROUBLE while you were using alcohol or drugs?

Question 6

What is the CAGE questionaire?

Answer 6

Cut down
Annoyed
Guilty
Eye opener