This practical workshop will help GPs, nurses and allied health professionals navigate the complexities of substance use. Participants will explore the spectrum of substance use, from hazardous use to dependence, and gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence patient behaviours. The workshop will also examine regional services and referral pathways, with a focus on delivering culturally safe and responsive care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.

Learning outcomes:

• Analyse the spectrum of substance use, encompassing hazardous, harmful, and dependent levels, to enhance understanding of patient behaviours.
• Identify and evaluate the risks and protective factors associated with substance use and misuse, recognising the complexity and individuality of each person's experience.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients who use substances, with a focus on understanding the context and impacts of their use.
• Describe the principles of ambulatory withdrawal management, including criteria for patient suitability and strategies for managing withdrawal symptoms related to common substances such as alcohol, cannabis, and methamphetamines.
• Provide an overview of regional services and referral pathways, highlighting support programs specifically designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients to ensure culturally sensitive care.

Presented By: 

• Dr Natasha Kuller, Addiction Medicine Specialist DASSA Southern Service