Learning Objectives

• Outline the reasons and risks for drug use
• Know how we determine who is using what
• Outline the national drug strategy pillars and know where my role as a doctor will fit in that
• Understand the terms habit, use, addiction, substance use disorder, CNS depressant, CNS stimulant, intoxication, withdrawal, IVDU, harm minimization, route of use
• Know what terms not to use
• Describe how to take a drug history in terms of when, where and how
• Describe a general approach to the treatment of a person who uses drug
• Describe the range and types of harm resulting from drug use and apply this to the drug(s) of the week
• Outline the pharmacology of nicotine/tobacco and cannabis
• Outline the mechanism of action and use of NRT, varenicline, bupropion
• Describe the effects of intoxication for nicotine/tobacco and cannabis
• Outline the tools used in assessing the drugs of the week
• Undertake a motivational interview in the context of the drug(s) of the weeks
• Know where to find more information
• Resources

National Drug Strategy

• what terms should you avoid regarding drug use?
• instead, what terms should you use regarding drug use?