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Assessment

CHCAOD004

Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drug issues

Sandra____

24/02/2022
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Question 1 When working with people with alcohol and other drug issues

within community services, there are several legal and ethical

obligations that an organization and a community worker must

consider and apply in the workplace.

On the table below, identify how each Item on Column A can

be used and applied by an organization (Column B) and by a

community worker (Column C) in the workplace.

Answer

A B C

Item Organisation Community Worker

Children in the All this varies, often • Design workplace rules that

workplace depending on the clarify the ages of children

organization’s policy that they can visit and for how

allows employees to take long. If you plan to allow

their children to work. Some parents to take children to

states allow children to start work for more than a short

working at age 13 with visit, designate a quiet area

parental permission. for diaper changes,

breastfeeding and Office

Labels
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Laws and insurance are also

considered in the workplace

Code of Conduct A set of steps that describe Diversity: Social workers work

appropriate social and within a diverse community

religious norms, and must demonstrate

responsibilities, or practices understanding and sensitivity

for an individual, party, or to all forms of diversity

organization. Related throughout their careers and

concepts include morality, comply with all applicable

honour, the code of ethics laws.

and religious law.

Provision of services and

support: a community service

professional must base his

professional practice on the

theory of community service

and the principle that

individuals, families, groups

and communities have the

fundamental human right to

access appropriate services

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and support.

Code of Practice A practical guide to industry framework that can be

standards for meeting labor adopted by employers and

protection requirements and followed with specific policies

safety measures prescribed and procedures. The Code has

by law. Codes of conduct been designed to be

provide guidance to displayed publicly in a

policymakers on how to workspace thus increasing

effectively manage health and visible engagement with staff.

safety risks in the workplace Social workers, in working

with individuals and

communities, must act in

accordance with a code of

ethics and the principles of

individual values and the right

to social inclusion.

Discrimination Treatment or consideration or Do not receive the same

discrimination in favour of or salary as someone who does

against a person or thing the same work with the same

based on the group, class or experience and qualifications.

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gender to which it belongs, Exclusion or isolation of co-

and not on the basis of workers

individual merit: racial Do not intentionally disclose

intolerance: racial intolerance the information necessary to

and religion. perform the work.

Complete impossible

missions.

Is irritated or offended

Dignity of risk The right to self-government Dignity at risk is a concept

of the mentally ill that describes how people are

free to make decisions and

choices that put them at risk.

The virtue of risk is the

obligation to act with caution.

This is because the main task

of security is to reduce the

vulnerability of customers by

increasing their ability to

protect themselves.

Vulnerability identified as
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power imbalance

Duty of care If a person’s actions do not Duty of care applies to: the

meet this standard of care, it responsibility (under

is considered negligence and customary law) of those who

any resulting damage may be exercise accountability to

sued. negligence ensure that their actions or

omissions do not cause injury

or harm to others

Human rights These rights are Compliance with the Human

interconnected, Rights Act 2004 would not

interdependent and require significant changes in

indivisible. Regardless of current practice. However, it

nationality, place of is important to have evidence

residence, sex, national or that human rights are taken

ethnic origin, colour, religion, into account when

language or any other challenging a particular

condition, this is the same for decision of a public authority.

all. For this reason, it is important

that employees know the

rights set out in the Act, that

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they respect them in their

work and that they document

how to make decisions.

Informed We accept the consent of Means that a person

consent patients or other recipients of understands their condition

services autonomously and and the proposed treatment.

confidentially; the ability to People often give their own

understand and make consent for treatment.

decisions, make decisions Without information related

voluntarily, disclose relevant to your medical condition and

information, propose plans, treatment, a person cannot

understand concepts make a fully informed

decision and give valid

consent.

Mandatory Legal requirement for certain Social worker or public

reporting groups of people to report servant, we are considered

suspected cases of child one of the authorized

abuse and neglect to informants. It is regulated by

government agencies. the Child and Adolescent

Protection and Care Act 1998.

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We are obliged to provide

information and, in

cooperation with authorised

organisations, security-

related information. The state

of well-being or happiness of

a child or young man.

Practice The standards describe the The standards of practice are

standards realistic expectations of all "how to do" within an

social workers. They are industry or clinical specialty.

designed to help social Most other standards of

workers fulfil their practice include documents

professional duties. describing how the process

should be carried out,

including policies governing

performance and subsequent

psychomotor actions.

Privacy, It deals with the protection of Not to manipulate or

confidentiality, personal data. Personal data interfere with any personal

and disclosure, is information or opinion data in a manner not

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including about an identified person, or specified in this Privacy Policy.

limitations that can be identified with a not to disclose to other

reasonable degree of organizations information not

certainty. covered by this Privacy Policy;

Policy A set of long-term principles We must comply with the

frameworks and goals that form the basis regulatory framework. Its

for creating the rules, objective is to provide an

guidelines, and direction for efficient professional

the planning and overall workforce to support

development of the multidisciplinary

organization. comprehensive health

services, strengthening

partnerships between

government, civil society, and

communities to strengthen

management, management

and centralization of

Community Care services.

Records Efficient and complete A social worker’s job is to

Management management of the document all the evidence

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organization’s documents and information of the people

from their creation to their they meet in their community

final destruction. service. We control the

receipt, maintenance, use and

destruction of documents,

including the collection and

storage of evidence and

information about our

activities and transactions.

Registration form.

Work health and Australian law should provide This includes managing the

safety a healthy and safe workplace, health and safety risks of

as well as a compensation and children or people you know

recovery system to ensure in your life. Utilities

that no worker is harmed if

injured at work.

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Question 2 Under the WH&S Act 2011 and ethical principle of duty of care,

identify the rights and responsibilities of the employer, the worker

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and the client when dealing with AOD issues in the workplace.

Answer

Right Responsibility

Employer It is entitled to be kept out of It is an employer’s duty to

management processes, as it is protect the health, safety and

not commensurate with its well-being of its employees and

main function. You have the others who may be affected by

right to support a good worker its business. This means ensuring

and to safeguard your that workers and others are

company or office according to protected from anything that

legal processes if the worker may cause harm, effectively

meets the conditions for which controlling any risk to injury or

he was hired or not. health that may arise in the

workplace.

Worker Work in environments where Take care of their own health

risks to your health and safety and safety and that of others

are properly controlled. who may be affected by their

According to the health and actions at work. Maintain

safety law, the main customer confidentiality and

responsibility for this lies with deliver a security plan that can
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employers. serve the AOD customer.

Client That he be respected and Take reasonable care that their

maintain total confidentiality acts or omissions do not

of his procedure, as well as adversely affect the health and

that he has a good diagnosis safety of other persons and

and subsequent treatment by comply, to the extent that the

the worker. person is reasonably capable,

with any reasonable instruction

given by the person performing

the procedure.

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Question 3 Provide an example of a specific legislation in an Australian state or

territory regarding alcohol and other drugs. Briefly describe the

purpose of the legislation and how this may affect organisation or

individual practice.
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Answer  Australian capital territorial sanction (right) includes:

The Contact Information Depends Act 1989, the Criminal Code

2002, and the Commonwealth Code in 1995 provides information

on drugs and drug-related sanctions.

 Driving under the influence of medication:

Random drug testing is available in all countries and regions of

Australia. The difference is, unlike alcohol, you may not have traces

of illegal substances in your system if your blood alcohol content is

equal to or more than 0.05.

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Question 4 Provide an example of an organizational policy, procedure or

document that will help guide community workers on their work

role boundaries when dealing with people with AOD issues?

What can a community worker do when in doubt of the applicable

work boundaries in an AOD situation?

Answer  A community worker is involved in many problems and

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faces many challenges when serving clients with physical,

intellectual, mental, medical, or neurological disabilities.

You may be involved in many personal interactions with

customers, your friends and family. You may have access to

confidential or private information. You may also receive

requests, requests, or requests for services or support that

are not related to your work as a caregiver or support

worker.

 An example of this can be where there is an AOD situation

in a family context since the diplomacy and formalism with

which procedures and assessments are treated can lead to

confusion in the use of work role limitation.

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Question 5 List typical information that an organisation would collect during

registration or intake of a person with AOD issues.

Answer Admission services classify people who enter the treatment system

and have them fully evaluated by their treatment provider. As a

result of this process, professionals can obtain the following

information from clients:

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 Identify people who are at high risk and need prompt care.

 Determine who needs more treatment.

 Determine the severity of a person’s alcohol and other drug

use, as well as their overall life problems.

 Get a benchmark metric against which future results can be

compared.

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Question 6 Explain how funding allocation can affect a person’s assessment

process.

Answer Evaluation is key to knowing the person better to provide the best

and most appropriate care. The best interventions and ways to deal

with an individual should be evaluated as the cause of the problem,

for example, if you are a patient in an organization, a diagnosis is

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simple and will be evaluated and treatment can be rapid and the

type of care provided largely, or even treat, the problem that

concerns them.

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Question 7 Briefly explain what is involved in a typical referral process.

Answer A typical reference process is based on the following steps:

 Initial dissatisfaction with the student’s academic

performance.

 Information gathering is the second step.

 Group discussion and information exchange.

 Possible strategies will be discussed.

 Implement and monitor strategy.

 Evaluation and decision-making

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Question 8 What is meant by ‘agency role’ and ‘agency target group’ for an

AOD organization?
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Answer The agency’s role is to ensure that the work assigned to each

employee is evenly divided according to their qualifications, and

that the organization does not leave employees until they are

assigned but helps them at any time. for a good result.

The target group of AOD is persons holding senior positions in large

companies or organizations, including their own employees. AOD

focuses on management positions that interact with employees to

help them solve the problem they must solve.

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Question 9 How could the role and target group of an agency working with

people with AOD issues impact the local community it is operating

in? Give an example.

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Answer According to the Code of Conduct for Alcohol and Other Drug

Professionals, equity and access are key to service delivery.

Individual requirements must be considered when providing

services. The service must be efficient. Develop coherent strategies

at the national level wherever possible; promote the provision of

informed and evidence-based treatment services; increase

consumer awareness and commitment to quality treatment

services; and support quality treatment services.

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Question 10 Cite at least two risk assessment processes that may be used to

identify the proper intervention for people with both AOD and co-

existing issues.

Answer  The definition of risk varies according to the appropriate

case, one can be a client who has sex with a random partner

or have sex, sexual activities should be evaluated to

determine the degree of safety in terms of virus

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transmission to the bloodstream and personal safety.

 It is also a self-harm risk assessment process, for example,

suicide can be identified, and a risk assessment process can

be a plan that helps keep you safe when you are depressed

or suicidal. The safety plan will remind you of the reasons

for living and connect you to the people and services that

can help you during difficult times, giving you some

perspective when you feel depressed.

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Question 11 Conduct research on the two Assessment Tools provided below.

Provide the purpose of use, the components and information

included for each type of assessment tool.

Support your answers with references as required.

Answer

Tool 1 Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Tool (AUDIT)

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Purpose Determine whether a person’s alcohol consumption can be

considered dangerous.

Components Simple ten-question test developed by the World Health

Organization Questions 1 to 3 are related to alcohol consumption,4

to 6 are related to alcohol dependence and 7 to 10 consider

alcohol-related problems.

Information A score of 8 or more in male subjects indicates a strong probability

included of harm due to alcohol consumption. A score of 20 or more

suggests an alcohol dependence a score of more than 13 for

women and 15 for men as indicative of a likely dependence

Tool 2 Substances and Choices Scale (SACS)

Purpose Detection and measurement of outcomes and can be used to

improve the identification and treatment of ODA difficulties in

adolescents in a variety of health settings.

Components One-page pen and paper self-assessment questionnaire for teens

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aged 13 to 18. It takes about 5 minutes to complete and is free. It is

divided into 3 sections on frequency, behavior, and consumption

Information The aim of this first section is to monitor the occasions and range of

included substance use. The second to assess or measure change over a

treatment episode and the third is directly related to tobacco use

Tool 3 Drug Usese Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT)

Purpose Effectively detects drug-related problems in clinically selected

groups and may be useful in the context of public health surveys.

Components Self-administered screening tool of 11 items for drug-related

problems, providing information on the level of drug use and

selected criteria for substance abuse/harmful use and dependence

according to ICD-diagnostic systems10 and DSM-4.

Information If a male person shows a score of 6 or more points, they are likely

included to have drug-related problems, either substance abuse/harmful use

or dependence. A woman with a score of 2 or more points probably

has drug-related problems For anyone who shows a score of 25 or

more points, she is very likely to be dependent on one or more

drugs.
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Question 12 Describe the availability of standardized AOD assessment tools and

the benefits of using these tools in assessment of AOD issues and

needs of a person.

Answer  Standardized tests are formal assessments designed to

measure a child’s abilities relative to other children their

age. ... For example, one test might give you a score on how

well your child understands a language and another on your

ability to use that language to communicate.

Some standard screening tools, such as PsyCheck, check for the

possible presence of mental health symptoms in people who have

problems with AOD. It mainly detects anxiety and depression, but

also gives you an idea of your suicide risk and history of mental

illness

 Assessment tools are methods used to measure a student’s

academic ability, skills and/or mastery in each subject, or to

measure progress towards achieving academic excellence in

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each subject.

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Question 13 Cite at least three things to consider when choosing an AOD

assessment tool to use for varying client situations and

presentations?

Answer  With the AOD Assessment Tool, you can collect the

information you need to support your clinical judgment by

referring patients to the right program.

 The purpose of validation ODA is to provide additional

information on the broader context of ODA. The use of ODA

as well as therapy planning is discussed. In addition, the

evaluation will collect baseline data for use in future

studies.

 Customers are contacted by phone. It now includes

reminders to check for domestic violence and act if

necessary.
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Question 14 For a comprehensive assessment of a person with AOD issues,

client information must be gathered well and thoroughly.

On the table below, identify at least two specific information

that will be required, including scope and depth of information

that needs to be gathered from the person to inform the

assessment process.

Answer

Information required, scope and depth

Client objectives  Encourage evaluation of the pros and cons of beha-

and viour change.

expectations  Identify and promote expectations of new and pos-

itive outcomes

Client history  Information related to the age of onset of use, the

and pattern of range of drugs used, the circumstances of use along

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drug use with problems related to risk behaviours in terms of

transmission or overdose of blood-borne viruses,

and any previous problem attempts to change

 For patterns of change, frequency, duration, route

of administration, amount used, last use, level of

dependence, withdrawal periods, withdrawal his-

tory

Client current Information related to health and housing issues, with

state of health whom the client lives, children, significant people in the cli-

ent’s life, social support, work, study, source of income,

legal problems, financial problems and when was the last

time they had a medical check-up.

Co-existing  Related information on mood disorders, behavi-

issues oural disorder, anxiety disorders, dissociative dis-

orders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,

schizophrenia and eating disorders.

 Experiences lived in family contexts, school, adoles-

cence, traumas.

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Question 15 How can a person’s length and level of dependency on alcohol and

drugs be determined?

Answer It is run by the bodies set up by each Autonomous Community and

is carried out upon application to the Social Services Centre in the

city where the patient resides. It will be based on the International

Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health of the World

Health Organization.

Basic activities are evaluated: Eating and drinking, regulating

urination and urination, defecation, Washing, Other personal care,

Dressing, Maintaining health, Body transfers, Moving within and

outside the home, Making decisions.

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Question 16 Identify two established processes/protocols for determining the

person’s health status.

Answer  Health can be measured by clinical and pathological

indicators and is usually observed by a physician or

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measured with instruments.

 Types of disease measures include Symptoms: blood

pressure, temperature, x-rays, tumor size. Symptoms are

checklists for specific diseases.

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Question 17 Give two examples of the types of conditions in Column A that may

co-exist with AOD issues. Explain the impact of having co-existing

issues on the assessment of a person with AOD issues.

Answer

A Conditions that may exist with AOD issues

Physical Shallow breathing, sweaty skin

Sensory Hallucinations
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Intellectual Impaired judgement, Confusion

Psychiatric Depression, anxiety

Impact of co-existing issues on assessment of person with AOD issues:

This leads to a variety of signs and symptoms. Drugs and addictive behaviors can

lead to serious illnesses and mental health problems. Mental health can coexist

with a person with ODA and can be two-way.

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Question 18 There are several risk and protective factors that can influence a

young person’s health and well-being outcomes.

When working with a young person with AOD issues, identify the

impact or influence of the following factors on the health and

wellbeing outcomes for the young person.

Answer 1. Stage of development

The younger a person is when experimenting with drugs, the more

likely it is that he will become an addict later.

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2. Parental involvement

If the roles of parents are not involved to prevent drug use and

alcoholism, is a risk factor that greatly influences the well-being of

the young person.

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Question 19 When working with older people with AOD issues, identify some

factors that can be considered regarding some issues and assessment

requirements listed below.

Answer

Factor Important considerations

Use of different Establishing rapport, active listening, thoughtful

assessment tools questioning, and asking broad and open questions are some

of the AOD evaluation strategies that can be employed.

Existing comorbidities Heart disease, diabetes, intellectual and learning difficulties,

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cognitive impairment, and chronic pain are among illnesses

that are frequently reported to co-occur with AOD use

disorders.

Interactions with other Withdrawal symptoms such as nervous system

medications hyperactivity and seizures can occur if the medicine is

abruptly stopped.

Collaborate with In healthcare, interprofessional teamwork helps to reduce

service providers in medication mistakes, enhance the patient experience, and

aged care and home- improve patient outcomes.

based support

Issues related to use of Prescription drug abuse prevention methods must

addictive prescription strengthen legislation and enforcement of current

medicine regulations, improve medical practice when prescribing

opioids, and educate prescribers about the underestimated

dangers and advantages of high-dose opioid treatment.

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Question 20 Substance misuse affects men and women differently. These

differences can be psychological, physiological, and social.

Cite two factors you may consider when communicating with

different genders of clients who have AOD issues.

Answer According to researchers in the natural and social sciences,

addictions and their consequences vary according to sex and

biological sex, Gender and sex differences in addictions are the

result of a complex relationship between sociocultural variables

and neurobiological differences in sex.

Substance abuse has shown that women have a faster escalation

after starting to use them than men. People who exhibit a rapid

escalation in drug use are often considered vulnerable. Women

have a higher rate of escalating drug use than men in this

undesirable group.

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Question 21 When working with mandated and voluntary clients, what are

some factors you have to consider regarding each type of client’s:

a) willingness to participate and

b) readiness for and commitment to change?

Answer Mandated Clients

a) willingness to participate

Parents of minors who are not yet mature enough to give their

express consent have the right to be informed about their

child’s treatment

b) readiness for and commitment to change

Most of the time is parents should participate in the treatment

of the young person and this should be discussed with the

young person in advance

Voluntary clients
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a) willingness to participate

They should be motivated and presented in detail the pros

of participating that motivate them to grow in the will they

already have.

b) readiness for and commitment to change

Already motivated, factors such as possible risk factors that

cloud the motivation already obtained must be considered

and the contexts that arise must be identified

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Question 22 Give at least two factors you would need to consider when working

with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with AOD

issues, including impacts of trauma.

Answer The risks of Death when encountering an addiction with alcohol

and smoking, since they are less consumers, but when they

consume, they do so to reach levels of risk.

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High consumption of illicit drugs especially ecstasy and cocaine as it

is at a higher rate than the general Australian population

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Question 23 Give two factors you would need to consider when working with

culturally and linguistically diverse people with AOD issues.

Answer  Differences in expectations about family participation in

decision-making and any gender impact from a cultural

perspective.

 Consider a worker who speaks your language and

understands your culture, while others will prefer someone

from outside your community.

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Question 24 Cite some factors you would need to consider when working with

people who have experienced voluntary or forced migration.

Answer It should be considered that not all cultures have the same

stereotypes regarding drug control; therefore, they must be

adapted to identify with the same objectives.

Do not try to take them in the same process, since being in

migration can isolate their feelings and take refuge in addiction

again, therefore it must be followed and a process that goes

beyond the guidelines.

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Question 25 Describe what suicidal or self-harming ideation means. How does

this differ from suicidal or self-harming intention?

Cite some factors you need to consider when working with clients
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at risk of self-harm, suicide or with mental health issues presenting

ideation or intention of these issues.

Answer Suicide attempt: self-injurious act intended to cause death, but

ultimately not fatal. A suicide attempt may result in injury, but not

necessarily.

Suicidal ideation: Thoughts, plans and preparatory acts related to

suicide.

The mental health of clients should be considered, since medical

disorders, depression, traumatic experiences during childhood are

those that lead to suicidal ideation, Family, economic and social

situation are determinant risk factors to consider when working

with these clients, such as addictions.

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Question 26 Provide some factors that must be considered when you are

conducting a risk assessment for a client with suicidal or self-harm

risks?

Answer One factor to consider is that related to unintentional harm from

drug use, such as personal injury sustained while under the

influence of alcohol or other drugs.

Other factors may be included in current and previous suicidal

ideation and attempts, self-harm, perpetration of domestic

violence, victimization through domestic violence.

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Question 27 Give examples of safety planning and other management strategies

that may be considered when working with people with mental

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health issues or who are at risk of self-harm or suicide.

Answer Create a list for the customer of all your reasons for living. When

you feel suicidal, it’s easy to get caught up in the pain you feel and

forget the positive aspects of your life. Your list can help you

refocus your attention until suicidal feelings disappear.

List the names and contact details of the people you trust and

include backups in case your first choice is not available.

The lists of professional resources available to the customer,

together with their contact and availability data allow to have first-

hand contact in case of risk.

Safety planning makes the customer’s environment safe. This can

involve removing or securing any item you can use to hurt yourself

and not doing things you know that make your feelings stronger or

longer lasting.

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Question 28 Identify links between predisposing factors for suicide, self-harm,

and mental health issues.

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Answer People who injure themselves are often more likely to attempt

suicide, while people with mental health disorders are more likely

to injure themselves. There are several risk factors for suicide and

self-harm, including mental health disorders, bullying, and family

history.

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Question 29 Give two examples of your legal and ethical obligations when

working with people with mental health issues or at risk of self-

harm or suicide.

Answer Confidentiality, as this may be considered as implicit consent, until

some time ago such disclosure was made in the absence of explicit

written informed consent.

Legally, a good diagnosis must be made, since this starts the

processes to follow with the client. It is defined as an adequate

history of other important persons since psychiatrists cannot rely

solely on the examination of mental state.

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Question 30 Outline when and how to negotiate a no-suicide contract with a

person.

Answer A no-suicide contract can help the client stay safe when he is low or

feels suicidal. The so-called contract or security plan will remind

you of the reasons for living and connect you with people and ser-

vices that can help you during difficult times, giving you a perspect-

ive when you feel depressed.

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Question 31 When working with a client with AOD issues, provide an example of

a situation or issue that is beyond your scope of practice and

identify the appropriate referral options that you can consider.

Identify what information and advice sources are available to you?

Answer An example from an AOD client showed signs of psychosis,

uncontrollable emotions, and severe depression. Patient care, basic

patient counselling, patient follow-up is some of the features we

offer for patients with AOD problems. However, if we see signs of

such seriousness, it may be an indication that we need help and

assistance from specialists who can assess and assist you

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depending on your situation.

In this case, referral to a psychiatrist, psychologist, and general

practitioner may be helpful. While work can be difficult at times,

working as a nurse in the field of alcohol and other drugs (ODA) is

often rewarding and fun. The public sees alcohol or drug abuse and

gambling as a lifestyle choice. As a result, addicts are stigmatized.

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Question 32 It is important to know how commonly used drugs are administered and the

effects of use or dependence on these can have on your clients.

Complete the table below with the required information for type of

drug, administration, and effects of identified substances and drugs.

Answer
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Drug Type/ Description Administration Effects

Alcohol A psychoactive Absorption. It can Causes CNS depression

substance that is be taken orally, by leading to sedation, slurred

classified as a central inhalation, rectally, speech, impaired

nervous system (CNS) or by injection judgment, uninhibited

depressant, behaviors, euphoria, and

impaired sensory and

motor skills.

Cannabis Cannabis is a Can be purchased Some of the short-term

depressant drug. or a as oil capsules, oil, physical effects of cannabis

cannabinoid drug It dried flowers, or in use include increased heart

primarily contains the a topical form, rate, dry mouth, reddening

psychoactive allowing oral, of the eyes (congestion of

cannabinoid THC. vaporized, or the conjunctival blood

topical vessels), a reduction in

administration. intra-ocular pressure,

muscle relaxation and a

sensation of cold or hot

hands and feet and / or

flushed face.
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Tobacco Nicotine is a stimulant Via inhalation in Causes cancer, heart

drug that speeds up the cigarettes and disease, stroke, lung

messages travelling joints diseases, diabetes, and

between the brain and chronic obstructive

body. pulmonary disease (COPD),

which includes emphysema

and chronic bronchitis.

Methamphetamine Is a stimulant drug. Smoking Even in small doses, can

Methamphetamine is a methamphetamine increase wakefulness and

powerful, highly is the most physical activity and

addictive stimulant that frequent route of decrease appetite.

affects the central administration, but

nervous system it may be taken

orally, by injection,

or intranasal

Ecstasy Ecstasy is both a MDMA is usually Affect (among other things)

hallucinogenic and a swallowed, mood and sexual arousal;

stimulant drug. although reports sense of intense wellbeing,

of smoking, Heightened sensitivity.

snorting, and
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injecting MDMA

have been found.

Heroin Heroin is part of a class It can be injected, A rush of pleasurable

of drugs called opioid. snorted, or feelings and relief from

Heroin is a depressant smoked. physical pain, feeling sick

drug - it slows down or vomiting, shallow

certain functions of a breathing, drowsiness and

person's brain and sleepiness, a drop in body

nervous system. temperature.

Codeine Codeine belongs to a Codeine (alone or Comprehensive,

class of medications in combination interactions,

called opiate (narcotic) with other contraindications.

analgesics and to a medications)

class of medications comes as a tablet,

called antitussives a capsule, and a

solution (liquid) to

take by mouth.

Benzodiazepine Benzodiazepines are a Benzodiazepines Drowsiness, light-

type of medication are commonly headedness, confusion,

known as tranquilizers. administered via unsteadiness, dizziness,

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the oral and slurred speech, muscle

intravenous weakness, memory

routes. They may problems.

also be

administered

rectally,

intranasally, and

intramuscularly, as

protocol/patient

presentation

dictates.

Emerging drugs New psychoactive Chewed, drank, Dizziness and headaches;

drugs appearing on the smoked, inhaled. Confusion; Insomnia.

market. They include

novel drug classes

which are potentially

harmful. They also

include new form.

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Question 33 Describe how drugs are classified and outline the current

trends/patterns of AOD use in Australian society.

Answer Drugs fall into three categories, Stimulants, Depressants and

Hallucinogens. Built based on the similarities that drugs share due

to various factors that can affect the way a drug works, some drugs

may change their characteristics and fall into different categories at

different times.

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Question 34 Give two examples of major drug groups and describe their primary

properties.
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Answer Stimulants:

• Methamphetamine: Increase activity and produce a general

feeling of well-being.

• Cocaine: Euphoria and feeling of increased energy.

Decreased appetite. Alert state and false sense of mental

acuity.

Depressants:

• Heroin: causes dopamine levels (the so-called pleasure

hormone) in the brain to increase by up to 200%

• Morphine: produce alterations in the plasticity of

postsynaptic excitatory sites, areas of the brain that are

involved in the functions of the limbic system

Analgesics:

• LSD: changes your mood, your behaviour and the way you

relate to the world around you

• Ketamine: dissociative state as if "out of body", with

sensation of floating. This state can be profound, generating

hallucinatory experiences and difficulty moving,

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Question 35 Give two examples of major drug groups and outline the harm

involved with these drugs.

Answer Stimulants:

• Methamphetamine: risk of addiction, risk of contracting HIV

and hepatitis, serious dental problems, intense itching that

causes skin lesions when scratched, and paranoia

• Cocaine: Increases heart rate and blood pressure and can

lead to abnormal heart rhythms and fatal heart attacks,

even in young and healthy people. Cocaine can also cause

seizures and strokes.

Depressants:

• Heroin: Appearance of scarred or collapsed veins, bacterial

infections of blood vessels, abscesses and other skin and

soft tissue infections, and liver, heart, and kidney disease

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• Morphine: serious or life-threatening breathing problems,

especially during the first 24 to 72 hours of your treatment

and any time your dose is increased.

Analgesics:

• LSD: Increased heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate,

and body temperature. Insomnia, loss of appetite, tremors,

and sweating. Mental problems including anxiety,

depression, and schizophrenia.

• Ketamine: Users may end up feeling nauseous or vomiting,

as well as developing problems with thinking or memory.

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Question 36 Outline two commonly used preventative/intervention strategies

used for alcohol and other drug issues.

Answer  Health promotion and community development

initiatives

 Reduce the supply of alcohol and other drugs through

laws, regulations, and policies.

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Question 37 How does tolerance and dosage level of drug use affect a person

with AOD issues?

Answer Tolerance and dosage level directly affect since they create

dependence on the drug, since working together causes the body

to get used to the drug and does not get the same benefits or

effects as before. Also, when you have AOD problems when your

body develops tolerance, using higher doses increases the risk of

overdose.

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Question 38 Describe the stages and symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol and

drugs.

Answer The stages of withdrawal are:

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1. Precontemplation

2. Contemplation

3. Preparation

4. Action

5. Maintenance

Symptoms vary physically and emotionally:

 Anxiety

 Restlessness

 Irritability

 Insomnia

 headaches

 poor concentration

 Depression

 Social isolation

 Perspiration

 Accelerated heart

 palpitations

 Muscle tension

 Chest tightness
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 Difficulty breathing

 Shaking

 Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

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Question 39 Outline the effects of drug use on the issues identified in

the table below.

Answer

Health issue Effect of drug use

Malnutrition Changes in appetite, Abdominal pain, vomiting,

constipation, diarrhea.

Blood-borne diseases VIH, hepatitis

Skin infestations Seborrheic dermatitis and hyperkeratosis lesions on the

fingers and palms

Physical health Heart rate, heart attack

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Cognitive development Seizures, stroke, brain damage

Social development Decreased pleasure in everyday life

Emotional Wild mood swings, depression, anxiety, paranoia,

development violence

Impact on others Desire to engage in risky behaviours, lose friendships

and even work.

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Question 40 According to Schaeffer’s Model, give a brief description of the

patterns of drug use indicated on the table below.

Answer

Pattern of drug use Description

Experimental The first stage of substance use, when a person will

begin to explore what drugs are, what reaction they

have to them and the social aspects of drug use.

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Recreational/social It is the use of drugs with the main objective of altering

the state of consciousness to create positive emotions

and feelings. Related to situations of underlying social

behaviour.

Situational This pattern uses a popular concept of this

phenomenon brings it closer to a unique behaviour of

the person that many places in the world tolerate

rather to serious medical conditions such as self-

medication.

Compulsive/ This pattern relates a person’s behavior when they use

Dependence a drug for a long time, or use it a lot, which is very likely

that they can no longer control its use.

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Question 41 Give two examples of consequences and effects of drug

substitution/replacement services used in withdrawal programs.

Answer  Alternative therapy can be dangerous for drug addicts.

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Because drugs are opiates, they can become addictive over

time. Trying to stop taking any medicine after a long period

of time can cause withdrawal symptoms, which can lead to

a relapse.

 The real benefit is that overcoming the pain of physical

withdrawal is a big obstacle to recovering and staying clean.

Many addicts are prescribed alternative medicine during

withdrawal. These drugs reduce and eliminate cravings by

binding to the same receptors as other medicines.

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Question 42 What is meant by poly drug use?

Answer Consists of the use of more than one drug, usually at the same time

or one after the other and usually with the intention of increasing,

enhancing, or counteracting the effects of another. Common

among meth users, especially in social contexts such as dance

venues, festivals, clubs, pubs.

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Question 43 Give two examples of common drug interactions.

Answer Drugs that may interact to generate a good or addiction, such as

depressants and hallucinogens, are identified.

 Depressants slow down brain and nervous system activity,

slowing communication between the two. For medical

purposes can calm nerves, relax muscles and be useful for

sleep disorders such as insomnia.

 While hallucinogens interfere with the brain and central

nervous system in a way that results in radical distortions of

a user’s perception of reality

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Question 44 Give two examples of the effects of prescribed drugs on using

alcohol or other drugs.

Answer  It is understood that the effects of some users can change

significantly, for example they can react to certain drugs in

such a way that the desired side effects far outweigh the

unwanted side effects.

 Thus, another person may experience serious side effects

with the same drug, which would exceed the desired effect

if the desired effects are observed.

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References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6436399/

https://www.healthychildren.org

https://adf.org.au/reducing-risk/community-approaches/prevention-strategies/

https://www.healthline.com/health/drug-tolerance

https://kidshealth.org/
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https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682133.html

https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/mental-health-disorders/suicidal-behavior-and-self-injury/

suicidal-behavior