Substance Use Assessment – Key Questions
Which substances do you / have you used
Alcohol
Cannabis
Amphetamines
LSD / magic mushrooms
Ecstasy
Cocaine / crack cocaine
Heroin
Prescription drugs
Volatile substance abuse
Other (name, include e.g. caffeine, nicotine)
For each substance - Explore the pattern of use
How –Smoked (bong/ joint/ foil), Injected (where), Inhaled, Swallowed, Sniffed
When - Daily / weekly / morning evening. Any substance free days
What pattern - Binge pattern, little but often. Typical day, typical week
How much - Amounts - £, units (litres*ABV), g, oz, bags, rocks, joints, tablets
Where - Pub, club, home, park
Who with – Alone, partner, anyone, particular friends
From what age – continuously or not
Is / was it - A major activity / part of identity
Polydrug use eg to deal with comedown Multidrug use eg to maximise effects - Why
Why - What are/ were the main benefits of using each substance
Mental state
Social / Boredom
Thinking/ Feeling- before, during, after
Why not – Are/ were there any drawbacks
Physical health/ Blackouts/ Withdrawal/ Sleep problems
Legal problems / Forensic - ever offended for money for substances
Mental health – voices, paranoia, anxiety
Dangerous activities undertaken
Relationship problems
Financial – debt
Housing
Employment
Use linked to any significant life events
Would you say substance use has ever been a problem for you
Have you ever tried to stop or cut down
How / Did it work – Hospital, prison, quit
Experienced withdrawal symptoms
Any previous input to address substance use – group programmes, methadone script
How do you feel about substance use now
Future intentions – Cut down, give up, reduce risks, continue as usual
What kind of treatment or intervention do you think would be useful for you now
Are you in contact with substance use services. Worker’s name -