Talking to Patients About Substance Use and Other Sensitive Issues

Some patients will volunteer their substance use, and others will not. If you suspect substance abuse, you will need to ask about it.

Try these sensitive interviewing techniques when asking patients about their drug use:

  • Remember your role as a health provider - explain to patients that you need to discuss drug use because you are worried about their health.
  • Remain nonjudgmental this will build patients' self-esteem and prevent them from just telling you what they think you want to hear.
  • Convey empathy let patients know that you understand that it is difficult to stop using drugs and that you want to help.
  • Speak with confidence and knowledge about substance abuse patients often respond more positively to clinicians they deem to be competent and interested.
  • Maintain the patient's privacy - conduct the interview in private and do not bring up the substance abuse around other staff members without the patient's permission.
  • Ask simple, open-ended questions, which will elicit the most honest responses.


Related Resources: 
Substance Use Disorders: A Guide to the Use of Language
Description: 
A guide for using non-stigmatizing language when working with patients who have substance use disorders.
Source: 
The National Alliance of Advocates for Buprenorphine Treatment (NAABT)
4.666665
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TIP 35: Enhancing Motivation for Change in Substance Abuse Treatment
Description: 
Guide on using motivation to effect substance abuse treatment. Includes information on motivational interviewing, integrating motivational approaches into treatment, and measuring patient motivation.
Source: 
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
4.333335
Your rating: None Average: 4.3 (3 votes)
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Motivational Interviewing for Primary Care
Description: 
This is a CME course designed to introduce and demonstrate basic motivational interviewing techniques for primary care.
Source: 
Clinical Tools, Inc.
4.333335
Your rating: None Average: 4.3 (3 votes)
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