Substance Misuse - who does what in the team?

GP

• treatment of acute episode of illness
• immunisation
• hep B and/or HIV testing
• cervical screening
• contraception advice

• identification of drug problem*
• referral to secondary drug service

Plus, if you have the training, backup and are happy to do it:

• assessment of drug misuse
• treatment of drug problems

Specialist services and drugs agencies

Access to specialist services and drugs agencies varies. There may be:

• specialist, consultant-led prescribing team;
• non-medical drugs agency (provides support, counselling, needle-exchange).

They need to provide:

• assessment and advice to you on treatment;
• provision of injecting paraphernalia;
• safer sex advice;
• referral for rehabilitation;
• counselling.

Pharmacist

• daily dispensing of methadone;
• point of contact for general health information.

Social Worker

• welfare rights;
• legal advice.

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Written by:    Michael Harris

Last update: 07 May 2007

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