TAILORING treatment plans for individual drug consumers is important for their recovery process, according to North Metro Community Alcohol and Other Drug Service manager Eric Nordberg.
Each consumer takes part in an assessment based on the quantity and frequency of their drug use, general and mental health, context and impact of the use, relationships and legal history. Counsellors will then engage with the consumer about their needs and create a treatment plan.
Plans could include providing information, medical treatment, relapse prevention, withdrawal services, family and one-on-one counselling and group intervention.
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Mr Nordberg said cases varied between continuous, social, problematic and experimental uses.
“We are looking in the scale of a process of dependence, where you have got no use at one end and you have got dependent use on the other,” he said.
“Social use has become a little bit problematic and it is starting to creep up; they might have only used it once or twice a month but they are starting to see that their drug use is becoming more frequent.
“Then we would look at if the drug use problematic and what will be the problem with that.
“It might be life consequences, relationship, employment, mental health and general health problems.”
Mr Nordberg said staff case-managed consumers throughout the recovery process and looked at the potential risks and harm involved, and about 80 per cent of methamphetamine users would relapse.
“The evidence has shown that methamphetamine consumers want to be seen quickly. They are really into brief intervention and education, he said.
If you or someone you know needs help, call: 24/7 Alcohol and drug support line – 9442 5000; 24/7 Meth helpline – 1800 874 878; 24/7 Parent and family support line – 9442 5050
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