Talking with your client
To talk with your client start with open, general questions like:
- How is your general health?
- What about eating, sleeping and exercise?
- Do you smoke?
- Many people drink alcohol - do you drink?
- When you drink, how much would you have?
- Do you use other drugs or non-prescription medications?
Screening
Screening helps identify alcohol and other drug use, the degree of risk associated with use, and associated problems. Early identification of drug problems generally leads to better treatment outcomes.
The eASSIST is an electronic version of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) which was developed by the World Health Organisation. The ASSIST has eight questions and take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The ASSIST helps identify the risks associated with substance use and the personalised feedback helps explore options for change.
To access the eASSIST screening test
For more information about ASSIST resources and tools, including instructional videos, go to the ASSIST Portal (Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test).
For further advice for withdrawal management in an inpatient and outpatient setting, when to prescribe, and further information on managing specific substance withdrawals can be found on the SA Health Website.
Treatment options for General Practitioners
There is a range of fact sheets and other clinical information which can assist health professionals in the treatment of alcohol and other drug related presentations in a general practice setting.
The Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service (DACAS) provides a telephone and email service for South Australian health professionals seeking clinical information and clarification around clinical procedures, guidelines and evidence-based practice. This service does not provide proxy medical cover and cannot assume responsibility for direct patient care. Telephone (08) 7087 1742 - 24 hours 7 days/week including public holidays or email your enquiry to: HealthDACASEnquiries@sa.gov.au.
How to refer to treatment services?
The Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) is available for you or your clients. They can direct you to service providers and advise on referral pathways. Call 1300 131 340 (8:30am-10pm, 7 days/week), advise them you are a health professional seeking referral advice.
For a range of other government and non-government service provider options please see the Service Directory.
Detailed information on how to refer eligible patients to DASSA can be found on the SA Health website.
The Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service (DACAS) provides a telephone and email service for South Australian health professionals seeking clinical information and clarification around clinical procedures, guidelines and evidence-based practice. This service does not provide proxy medical cover and cannot assume responsibility for direct patient care. Telephone (08) 7087 1742 - 24 hours 7 days/week including public holidays or email your enquiry to: HealthDACASEnquiries@sa.gov.au.