G.  Educate About Substance Use, Associated Problems, And Prevention Of Relapse

 

OBJECTIVE

 

Prevent the development of problematic alcohol or other drug use, abuse, and dependence (primary prevention) or resumption of problems following a period of remission.

 

ANNOTATION

 

1.     Discuss the patient’s current use of alcohol and other drugs and address any potential problem areas, such as recent initiation of use, increase in use, and use to cope with stress.

2.      Inform the patient about potential age- and gender-related problems, such as:

§     Abusive drinking or other drug use in the young adult

§     Alcohol and other drug use during pregnancy

§     Medication misuse or heavy drinking in the older adult

3.     Convey openness to discuss any future concerns that may arise and encourage the patient to discuss them with you.

4.     Periodically inquire about alcohol and drug use at future visits.

 

EVIDENCE TABLE

 

 

Recommendations

Sources of Evidence

QE

 

R

1

Future monitoring of substance use.

Bradley et al., 1993

U. S. DHHS, 1995

III

 

B

QE = Quality of Evidence; R = Recommendation (See Introduction)