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SHOW NOTES
Summary
Alcohol use is highly prevalent, but there is still a lot of stigma associated with alcohol use disorder. In this episode of the Addiction Practice Pod, Dr. Roland Engelbrecht and David Ball talk with guests about alcohol harm reduction, treatment, and the impacts of alcohol use disorder on family and loved ones.
Lineup
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- 1:50 – Dr. Bernie Pauly – Scientist, Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, and Professor, University of Victoria School of Nursing
- 13:28 – Jennifer Cottell – Family and Caregiver Committee Member, British Columbia Centre on Substance Use
Pearls
Here’s what listeners can take away from this episode:
- Patient goals will vary related to their alcohol use. For patients who do not consider abstinence an immediate goal, a reduction in heavy drinking can help reduce harm. For people with severe AUD, managed alcohol programs (MAPs) are an increasingly common harm reduction support. There are also effective pharmacotherapies available, as well as psycho-social interventions for AUD.
- Due to the higher prevalence of comorbid PTSD and trauma among people with AUD, adopting a trauma-informed approach is particularly relevant for this patient group
- Stigma is a significant barrier for patients seeking treatment for AUD. Approaching the topic of alcohol use with patients in a non-judgmental, conversational manner can build rapport and trust. Screening and brief interventions are proven to be extremely effective at any point of contact with the health system.
Resources
De-centring western colonial approaches
Online learning
- Addiction Care and Treatment Online Course (Online, self-paced, free) — See Module 3, Alcohol Use Disorder
Guidance
- BC Centre on Substance Use. Provincial guideline for the clinical management of high-risk drinking and alcohol use disorder [Internet]. 2019.
- Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. Canada’s low risk alcohol drinking guideline (brochure) [Internet]. 2018.
Articles
- Pauly B, Brown M, Evans J, et al. “There is a Place”: impacts of managed alcohol programs for people experiencing severe alcohol dependence and homelessness. Harm Reduct J 16, 70 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-019-0332-4
- Meis LA, Griffin JM, Greer N, et al. Couple and family involvement in adult mental health treatment: A systematic review. Clinical Psychology Review. 2013;33(2):275-286.
Additional resources
- Holding Hope and Healing Hearts, support groups offered by Moms Stop the Harm for families and loved ones in many locations.
- Canadian Alcohol Use Disorder Society. How prescribing available pharmacotherapies for AUD can impact the healthcare system (podcast). 2021.
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research. An overview of Managed Alcohol Program (MAP) sites in Canada. 2021
Banner photo by Halcyon Marine Healthcare Systems from Pixabay