Brief Interventions for Substance Misuse Practitioners

Explain how to take action to support individuals that is
a) appropriate to the substance used and the effect which the substance has had
b) appropriate to the condition of the individual
c) consistent with own agreed role and agency policies and procedures.

Explain how to support and enable individuals to meet their needs and requirements after the effects of the substance have worn off.

Implement correct procedures to clearly and accurately report information about episodes of substance use.

Analyse the effects which own beliefs and feelings about substance use may have on own behaviour.

Implement measures to create an environment suitable for frank, confidential discussion.

Demonstrate how to initiate discussions with service users about substance use behaviour.

Apply measures to determine whether brief intervention is an appropriate response, making use of recognised screening tools or techniques.

Describe appropriate harm reduction strategies that are consistent with individuals’ right of choice
a) for specific cases of substance use
b) for activities affected by substance use.

Evaluate harm reduction as an approach to working with substance users.

Develop, in partnership with the service user, a menu of alternative strategies for reducing substance use, including specialist help if appropriate.

Demonstrate how to support individuals to identify and overcome barriers to changing their substance use.

Review and manage own feelings about the individual’s progress or lack of this in such a way as to minimise own impact on the support provided.