Heroin addict (first consultation in primary care)
During the first consultation with a heroin addict it is important to:
- obtain an adequate drug history
- type of drug, injected or taken by other route
- length of drug abuse
- effects of withdrawal
- how does the patient support his habit
- measures to limit harm
- does the patient practise 'safe sex'
- does the patient share needles/use 'shared' needles
- does the patient use a needle exchange scheme/ counselling agency
- what is the family support available to the patient
- agree a contract with the patient
- if being treated in primary care agree what is expected from the patient, what treatment is offered by the practice, the keeping of appointments etc.
- if the patient is referred for treatment then agreement is still required about future contacts with the practice
- register with regional drug misuse database/ notification of addicts
- referral if specialized treatment and counselling not available from within the practice
Referral
- NICE. Drug misuse in over 16s: opioid detoxification. Clinical guideline CG52. Published July 2007, last reviewed December 2024
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