F. Follow-Up In Primary Care

OBJECTIVE

Monitor substance use and encourage reduction or abstinence.

ANNOTATION

Maintain vigilant review of alcohol and other drug use by multiple modes of assessment ranging from careful observation by the provider during medical appointments to the use of biological measures. Promote abstinence or reduction, as indicated, and offer supportive verbal encouragements.

1. Look for spontaneous signs of use and ask the patient about their specific use and frequency of that use.

2. When possible, discuss other areas of concern in the patient’s life since these constitute collateral assessment and prognostic indicators.

3. Use biological assessments including the breathalyzer, urine toxicology, and BAL concurrently with the ongoing dialogue .

4. Encourage abstinence or reduced use consistent with the patient’s motivation and agreement.