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Information for Professionals

Even a brief intervention by a health professional can have effects for up to a year.

Understanding Stages of Change

The stages of change model is a simple tool that can help you figure out:

where someone is in the change process
how ready he or she is to take action
how to deal with the emotions involved in suggesting a change

These are all stages that a person will experience when making any change to his or her life.

1. Pre-contemplation

A person is not even thinking about a change.

2. Contemplation

A person is thinking about a change but not ready to make it.

3. Preparation

A person is ready to change and planning how to do it.

4. Action

A person is actively making the change.

5. Maintenance

A person is sustaining the change over the long term.

People tend to progress through different stages on their way to successful change, and each of us progresses at our own rate.

Each person must decide for himself or herself when a stage is completed and it is time to move on to the next stage.

For more information, check the online self-directed tutorial available through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Stages of Change.

Harm Reduction

Harm reduction refers to any program, policy, intervention or approach that seeks to reduce the health and social consequences associated with drug use. It focuses on consequences rather than the use itself, and does not require abstinence (not drinking or using drugs).

Measures that focus on reducing harm from substance use have been around for years. Examples are drinking and driving laws, server intervention in bars and needle exchange programs.

For more information on harm reduction, please visit the following:

Harm Reduction Policies and Programs for Youth

Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users

The Canadian Harm Reduction Network

Working with people who use drugs: a local harm-reduction approach:

Overdose Intervention and Prevention Projects

Screening Tools for Professionals

A brief intervention by a health professional can have effects lasting up to a year. It can reduce the risks associated with alcohol use, including injuries, violence and chronic disease.

A good assessment is an intervention in itself. Research clearly shows that this is one of the most effective, least costly strategies available.

Direct those you work with to a self-assessment tool at the Alcohol Help Center website.

CAGE+2+Y Screening Tool for Professionals

The CAGE+2+Y tool helps to assess a client's alcohol use and whether they are following the Low Risk Drinking Guidelines.

The screening tool guidelines go into more detail about the difference between a problem drinker and an alcohol-dependent person.

This tool is a relatively simple, low-cost way to motivate heavy drinkers to cut back.

The CAGE + 2 + Y tool can be adapted to inquire about drugs as well.

Click on the link for more information about how long drugs stay in the body.

How CAGE+2+Y Works...

C: Cut Down.

Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?

A: Annoyed.

Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?

G: Guilty.

Have you felt guilty about your drinking?

E: Eye-Opener.

Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

+

2: Extra Questions:

On a typical day, how many drinks do you have?

On average, how many days a week do you drink alcohol?

+

Y: Year.

If the client answers "yes" to any CAGE questions, ask if it has occurred during the last year.

Results...

1. Problem Drinker

Usually socially stable, but drinks beyond the Low Risk Drinking Guidelines

Problem drinkers may be willing to curb their habits after only a single self-help session delivered over email or the internet, a research review suggests.

2. Alcohol-Dependent

More than 40 to 60 drinks per week.

Withdrawal signs and symptoms: tremor, morning drinking, seizures.
Social and physical consequences are severe; neglects responsibilities.
Clients who have a drinking problem require more intense interventions.

Making the Link Between Alcohol & Chronic Disease

Did you know:

Alcohol consumption is a leading contributor to chronic disease.
Alcohol is a greater risk factor for the burden of disease and disability than cholesterol, body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity or illicit drug use.
Alcohol has been linked with more than 60 diseases or conditions.

Working With Specific Groups

Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

Professionals Working with Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

Seniors

Often seniors rely on several medications to help their health conditions. The more medications a person takes, the higher the possibility of having an interaction that may cause problems.

Alcohol and other drugs can interact with medications and may contribute to confusion and falls which may require hospitalization.

For more information on working with seniors, visit:

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health's Responding to Older Adults with Substance Misuse

Project SEAGULL Senior Education on Alcohol: Guidelines for Use in Later Life

Region of Waterloo Public Health's Seniors Health website