Ch 7. Substance

Question 1

Identify current statistics related to alcohol use and abuse.

Answer 1

approximately 80% of Canadians age 15 and older reported being alcohol drinkers

17% were considered to be at high risk for alcoholism

High-risk drinkers were predominantly men and younger than 25

Question 2

Identify and elaborate on the 5 As

5 As for Integrating Knowledge of Substance Use in Health Assessment

Answer 2

Acquire knowledge; replace erroneous assumptions

Anticipate harm that may be caused by your practices, reactions, judgements

Avoid social judgement about substance use, such as seeing a person as “bad,” deviant, or morally weak

Analyze organizational practices (e.g., clinical assessment tools) and resources

Approach patients respectfully

Question 3

Principles of Harm Reduction

Answer 3

• Focuses on reducing the harm associated with a broad range of substances
• Does not require abstinence or discontinuation of use
• Is complementary to prevention and treatment approaches
• Empowers people who use drugs to make informed decisions
• Emphasizes humanistic values, including dignity, compassion, and nonjudgemental acceptance of people who use drugs
• Is cost effective and evidence informed
• Requires that people who use drugs participate in policy making and program development
• Challenges policies and programs that maximize harm