Substance Misuse - Setting Goals

Before prescribing substitute drugs, establish:

• what changes the patient wishes to make in the way he or she uses drugs;
• what lifestyle changes the patient wants to make;
• how a prescription might help the patient to achieve these changes

Set mutually agreed and realistic goals

to be achieved within 4 to 12 weeks of starting the prescription. For example:

• to begin to tackle other problem areas e.g. legal, financial, accommodation and relationship;
• to reduce or stop using illicit drugs;
• to reduce frequency of injecting;
• to attend appointments on time.

The contract

Typically, the local drugs worker will set up a contract that covers these and other points. The contract will be between:

• you,
• the patient,
• the pharmacist and
• the drugs worker.

On to:       Prescribing

Back to:    Substance misuse Home Page

Written by:    Michael Harris

Last update: 07 May 2007

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