The learner will understand principles for assessing these patients and motivating them toward treatment.
Substance abuse is a common problem among patients of all ages, races, sexes and social strata.
Following a positive screen for substance abuse, physicians must be able to gather further historical and laboratory information to help confirm the diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment. There is a wide range in severity of substance abuse problems. Some patients are aware of their problem while others are not. There are a variety of ways to break the news of substance abuse diagnoses . Physicians must be able to inform patients and their families of substance abuse diagnoses in a respectful, age and gender appropriate fashion.