Session 3: Initiating therapy including considerations for pharmacotherapy, behavioural therapy, comorbid mental health conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance) and poly-substance use
Learning objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Describe the risks and benefits of selected anti-craving pharmacotherapies and positively impact their intention to prescribe these agents in practice.
2. Describe the advantages of concurrent behavioural and pharmacological therapies.
3. Discuss first line therapies for concurrent anxiety, depression or sleep disturbance in patients with alcohol use disorder and liver disease.
4. Explain the nuances of treating alcohol use disorder in unique populations (e.g. poly-substance use, geriatrics, and people experiencing homelessness).
Pre-recorded presentation
Check out these slides oriented to a Primary Care audience:
Live presentation recording
Printable handout containing the top tips and resources from this session
Additional resources
Definition of Addiction – American Society of Addiction Medicine
Motivational Interviewing – Alcohol Video
Helping Patients Who Drink Too Much: A Clinicians Guide
Screening and Assessment Tools Resource
The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test
Retention Toolkit: Free MI Resource
Canadian Resources
Canada’s Low Risk Drinking Guidelines
Guidelines for Healthcare Providers to Promote Low Risk Drinking Guidelines
Alcohol in Canada: Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
Substance Use Treatment Centres for First Nations and Inuit
Practical Approach to Substance Use Disorders for the Family Physicians
Canadian Alcohol Use Disorder Society
Alberta Resources
Alberta Addiction Treatment Directory
Recovery Access Alberta: Treatment directory for patients and providers
Recovery Access Alberta: Alberta College of Family Physicians Tools for Practice
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings Alberta
Recovery Dharma Alberta: Using Buddhist Practices
United States Resources
Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration
National Institute on Drug Abuse
US Preventative Services Task Force: Alcohol
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Further Reading
Healthcare Teamwork: Interprofessional Practice and Education
Beyond the Checklist: What Else Healthcare Can Learn from Aviation Teamwork and Safety
A Definition and Approach To Motivational Interviewing
Managing Chronic Pain in Adults With or in Recovery From Substance Use Disorders
Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change
Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy
Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change
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