[ Browse by Service Category : Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services : Sub-Topics of Substance Use Disorder Services (270) ]
Assessment for Substance Use Disorders
Programs that conduct an evaluation to determine whether an individual has a substance use disorder based on a pathological set of behaviours related to use of that substance as well as the nature and extent of the problem. Diagnostic criteria include inability to control or limit the amount taken or the frequency; intense cravings; continuing use despite problems with work, school or family/social obligations or interpersonal problems; risky use, e.g., diving a car or operating machinery while under the influence; or evidence of pharmacological indicators (tolerance and withdrawal symptoms), the adjustment the body makes as it attempts to adapt to the continued and frequent use of a substance.
Detoxification
Programs that provide assistance and support for individuals who are physically dependent on substances of any kind during the withdrawal period. Detoxification is a medical regimen aimed at managing acute intoxication and withdrawal by systematically reducing the amount of the addictive substance in a patient's body, providing reasonable control of active withdrawal symptoms and/or averting a life-threatening medical crisis related to the substance. Detoxification is generally conducted under the supervision of a physician, can take place in a wide variety of settings and at a number of levels of intensity within these settings and has three stages: evaluation, stabilization and fostering patient readiness for and entry into treatment.
DUI Remedial Programs
Programs that provide mandated educational, treatment and/or other services for individuals who have been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs including prescription drugs and ordered by the court to seek assistance as part of provincial efforts to enforce DUI laws. Some DUI offender programs also include families.
Substance Use Disorder Education/Prevention
Programs that provide information about substance use disorders (including the substances most commonly used and their effects, the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders, screening and diagnostic procedures and methods of treatment) and/or which offer any of a variety of services that focus on substance use prevention for people of all ages who are at risk. Included may be printed materials or videos that address the subject; psycho-educational and skill building activities; structured groups which focus on family dynamics, problem-solving, self-esteem and similar issues; and presentations in schools and agencies and to family groups regarding the dangers of alcohol and drug use and smoking, the signs of substance use disorders, the legal consequences of illegal substance use and how to get help.
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Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs
Community and hospital-based programs that provide a variety of inpatient, outpatient and residential treatment services for individuals who have problems related to excessive use of alcohol and/or use of other drugs.
Supportive Substance Use Disorder Services
Community and hospital-based programs that provide a variety of services for individuals who have problems related to excessive use of alcohol and/or use of other drugs and need support to commit to a treatment program, survive a substance use related crisis or sustain an abstinent lifestyle.
Transitional Housing for Substance Use Disorder
Programs that provide alcohol and other drug-free congregate living arrangements which facilitate the return to the community of individuals who are recovering from an alcohol and/or other drug use disorder, who may be leaving an inpatient or residential treatment program and who need ongoing support to sustain an abstinent lifestyle.
The above terms and definitions are part of the Taxonomy of Human Services, used here by permission of INFO LINE of Los Angeles.