Alcohol and drug diagnosis and management

Alcohol and drug dependence approach

Synopsis – diagnosis and management

An empathetic and non-judgemental attitude to the patient is required when managing drug dependence problems.

Careful assessment to establish the nature and extent of drug use must precede any attempts at management (more than one consultation is likely to be necessary).

The active cooperation of the patient in any management plan is essential, as the patient’s readiness for change will be a powerful influence on the success of any intervention.

Goals for stopping or reducing drug use must be agreed with the patient and must be attainable. Abstinence from drugs will not be every patient’s goal; harm reduction (through education to avoid collateral risks or efforts to cut down on drug consumption) is a worthwhile objective.

Detoxification is only part of the process. Many lifestyle adjustments are required to maintain a drug-free existence, and these changes may require social support and/or psychological therapies.

Relapse is common but can be used as a learning experience. Patients who relapse into drug use should be encouraged to try again.

With empathy and positive management, many drug dependent people can be liberated from their addictions.

Research extract from; Tobie L Sacks and Nicholas A Keks. Alcohol and drug dependence: diagnosis and management. Medical Journal of Australia Practice Essentials #14.