Health Outreach Partners https://outreach-partners.org/2011/12/how-to-better-understand-identify-and-refer-alcohol-abuse-and-dependency-issues/ Export date: Sat Apr 20 8:28:08 2024 / +0000 GMT |
How to Better Understand, Identify, and Refer Alcohol Abuse and Dependency IssuesBecause alcohol abuse has emerged as a major health concern for outreach programs, outreach workers should have a basic understanding of alcohol-related issues. Substance abuse, particularly alcohol use, is a topic that warrants serious consideration when working with many priority populations of outreach programs. Risk factors for substance abuse include: poverty, stress, lack of mobility, and lack of recreational opportunities. These risk factors are often commonplace among the vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities outreach programs serve. It is important to recognize that not everyone who drinks alcohol experiences problems. There are people that occasionally use alcohol in small quantities and experience few or no problems as a result of drinking alcohol. However, there are patterns of alcohol use that do increase a person’s risk for experiencing alcohol-related problems. The following definitions have been provided in order to clarify commonly used terms associated with patterns of drinking that may produce negative consequences. Information from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s (NIAAA) most frequently asked questions about alcohol is incorporated into the definitions below.
Sometimes it can be difficult to know if a person’s drinking is problematic. There are four questions that can be asked to help determine if a person’s alcohol use is a cause for concern. The NIAAA indicates that if a person answers “yes” to any of the following questions, an alcohol problem is possible.
The NIAAA recommends that a person the interviewee trusts ask these questions in a private setting to maximize the likelihood of honest, direct answers. If a possible alcohol problem has been identified it is best to refer the person to a professional that can assist him or her in determining the extent and need for further treatment. Find out what assistance is available in your community in advance. Have a listing of referrals readily available. When approaching the person, consider your timing and try not to be judgmental. It is best if the person is sober and calm. Be discrete if possible. Choose a safe, quiet, private setting to offer your referral information. Every situation is unique and personal discretion should be used. If there is ever any question about the best possible course of action, it is always a good idea to seek guidance from a supervisor or an addictions specialist. In conclusion, alcohol abuse and dependency is a serious issue among many populations that outreach staff serve. Being aware of this important, yet sensitive, health topic will better enable outreach staff to guide their clients to the appropriate resources and help. Not every outreach worker can be an addictions specialist, but every outreach worker can help someone with alcohol dependency and abuse problems. For more information and resources about alcohol, alcoholism, self-help support, and treatment considerations please reference the following resources.
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Post date: 2011-12-02 15:46:56 Post date GMT: 2011-12-02 15:46:56 Post modified date: 2022-12-08 09:18:33 Post modified date GMT: 2022-12-08 17:18:33 |
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