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Remember that a medical practitioner (General Practitioner) is usually able to assist with the management of drug or alcohol dependency. A prior phone call will confirm this, and allow for arrangements for an initial consultation. With the client's cooperation, select a practitioner known to the client and enquire about assistance. Again with the client's consent, accompany him/her to the consultation, and discuss all relevant social, medical and psychiatric issues with the aim of formulating a coordinated management plan. Bring to the consultation any medication found, as well as the client's Health Care Card, Medicare card, or at the very least some form of identification. If the client has been 'doctor shopping' try to obtain a list of the other medical practitioners involved, or at least alert the doctor to this. Furthermore, ask the doctor about the need to forward a 'Notification Of Drug Dependence' form (form DP 40) to the Victorian Drug of Dependence Unit.
Drug or alcohol dependent persons often have coexisting medical problems such as unexplained coughing, or weight loss, Hepatitis B and C, HIV infection, a psychiatric condition, or brain damage. Assist the person with recall of these associated problems, as these may have significant bearing on the rehabilitation plan.
Agreement on treatment for the drug problem may be negotiated in either verbal or written format. Withdrawal from drugs is known as detoxification and may be either community based or residentially based. Agreement on cessation of drug use while under treatment, on the need for attendance at predominantly one doctor only, on times and dates for follow-up, on the need for submission of urine specimens for urine drug testing, and finally, agreement on what medication will be supplied to assist in drug withdrawal, may all have to be discussed. If there is concern about the risk of overdose, ask the doctor whether provision of medication should be limited to a small supply (for example, one or two days supply at a time). Control of this supply may be delegated to the chemist, or even to the support worker, with suitable arrangements and with the consent of all involved.
Finally, attempt to rationalise the drug rehabilitation management. In other words, apply a practical method to the processes involved and simplify these processes as best you can. If other services are involved, notify them of the current management plan, and discourage the client from indiscriminate self-initiated consultation of other services. After hours cover for emergencies should be discussed. Arrange for one community based person, such as the support worker or doctor, to act as the coordinator.