Smoking, Alcohol
and Other Drugs
Program Coordinator – Peter Clottu, Smoking, Alcohol and Other Drugs
P: 08 8971 9300 | E: peter.clottu
@kwhb.com.au
September 2010 Newsletter
(pdf 99Kb)
At Katherine West Health Board, all of our Primary Healthcare Staff take an active role in promoting health issues, in particular smoking, alcohol and other drugs. Much of this work is done through our brief intervention model, which encourages one on one engagement with our client, to get them thinking about their health issue on a personal level.
Alcohol has a complex role in Australian society. Most Australians drink alcohol, generally for enjoyment, relaxation and sociability, and do so at levels that cause few adverse effects. However, a substantial proportion of people drink at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related harm. For some, alcohol is a cause of significant ill health and hardship. In many countries, including Australia, alcohol is responsible for a considerable burden of death, disease and injury. Alcohol-related harm to health is not limited to drinkers but also affects families, bystanders and the broader community.
Unhelpful Assumptions
Healthcare practitioners may have some unhelpful assumptions about health behaviour change.
Some to be aware of include:
The person ought to change
The person wants to change
The person's health is their main priority
If the person doesn't change the intervention has failed
I am the expert and the person must follow my advice
A tough approach is always the best
Key Principles
The person’s smoking/drinking is their choice
The person decides how much of a problem they have
Try not to argue or confront the person
Encourage the person to think about the good and bad things about their risk taking behaviour
Decision Making
5 Basic Strategies
1. Ask open ended questions which enables the person to explain in their own words how they feel or think about their smoking. “How do you feel about your drinking?” (Don’t ask yes/no questions)
2. Use reflective listening. Repeating back what the person is saying ensuring you understand them. “So your saying you think beer is healthier than water?”
3. Encourage doubts – help the person it doesn’t make sense for them to do something that they feel is harmful.
4. Be personal. Provide feedback for the person’s particular situation
5. Get the person to tell you why they should change
What next?
If your not confident doing interventions practice, practice, practice with friends, co workers etc.
Use resources available to assist you – smoke check, flip charts, 3D models
Remember……
Some people will not be ready for change
If they start drinking/smoking again it’s because they aren’t ready yet. It is not reflective on the quality of advice from you.
Be ready to talk again when the person needs to.