Alcohol and Other Drugs

8.30 am - Registration and Refreshments

9.00 am - The Psychology of Addiction

In this introductory session, you will look at the psychology of addiction. In particular you will consider why some people become 'addicted' and others do not. Topics include:

• Facts about the use of drugs.
• Is there a typical profile of an addicted person?
• Summary of the causes of dependency in those who are addicted to legal and illegal drugs / alcohol / inhalants.
• The impact on families, friends and work mates.
• Zero tolerance or harm reduction: is Australia's tough position toward illicit drug use the best policy choice?
• Can addictive behaviours be cured?
• If you suspect a colleague is an alcoholic or a drug addict, what should you do?

9.50 am - The Big Picture - Assessment

Assessment of a person who has addictive behaviour requires skill and focus. In this short session you will review some of the key aspects of assessment including:

• How to recognise levels of substance-dependant behaviours?
• Medical assessment and Investigations.
• Prognosis for chronic abusers of alcohol, legal and illegal drugs and substances, which create "highs".

10.30 am - Morning Tea & Coffee

11.00 am - Nursing Assessment and Holistic Care Plans

A look at how to discover and analyse the patient's history including key elements of the physical and mental status. Major challenges will be mentioned. Examples:

• Estimating how intoxicated or confused or "out of it" is the person during the interview.
• How reliable are answers to questions regarding their drinking or drug-taking habits?
• If the individual being assessed is accompanied by family/friends, how involved should they be in the assessment?
• Complex care plans.

11.50 am - D is for Detoxification

Detoxification generally relates to the removal of harmful substances from the body. This is often performed in a therapeutic manner. In this interesting session we will discuss:

• Types of detoxification services in the public, private and not-for-profit health sectors.
• What happens when someone is experiencing withdrawal from alcohol/drugs?
• How is a formal detox program initiated and managed?
• Is the person's consent always required?

12.30 pm - Lunch Break and Networking

1.30 pm - Delirium Tremens (DTs) - The Alcohol Withdrawal Nightmare

"Unlike the withdrawal syndrome associated with opiate dependence, DTs can be fatal… in the modern era of medicine, death rates range from 5-15%." * This medical and psychiatric emergency occurs in individuals with a history of alcoholism whose intake of alcohol has suddenly ceased. Underlying disorders, will complicate the medical picture.

• The sick alcoholic person – physiology of DTs, signs and symptoms, medical interventions and prognosis of this multi-faceted, serious condition.
• The role and function of nurses.

2.10 pm - When Acute Becomes Chronic

Occasionally, it is not possible to reverse an addictive behaviour. In this instance, realistic and sensitive care needs to be provided.

• What happens when detoxification merges into irreversible physical / mental limitations and impairments?
• A look at the chronic physical repercussions.
• What about brain damage, e.g. Korsakoff's Syndrome or Wernicke's encephalopathy?

Managing Aggression in Those who are Out of Control Those who voluntarily / involuntarily undergo detoxification, can be unpredictable, hypersensitive, full of anger and prone to aggressive outbursts.

• What are the causes of aggressive outbursts or incidents when harm is inflicted on people or property?
• How should you respond to obnoxious swearing, verbal abuse and intentional threats?

3.00 pm - Afternoon Tea & Coffee

3.15 pm - Practical Management of Physical Aggression

Which type of crisis policies and procedures are helpful?

• Tips for post – incident support and follow-up.
• Types of restraint and indications for their use.

4.00 pm - Close od Day One

9.00 am - Non-Alcoholic Drugs and Their Demons

Day two will commence with a look at non-alcoholic drugs. This in-depth discussion will include:

• Besides cannabis, which other legal and illegal drugs are commonly used? Why is this so?
• Injecting drug use: the key issues
• Comments on prescription abuse, self-medicating and doctor-shopping activities.
• Why are those diagnosed with psychiatric disorders prone to substance abuse.

10.30 am - Morning Tea & Coffee

11.00 am - The Rehabilitation Journey

Rehabilitation can be slow and, in many cases, demand lifelong vigilance.

• Which approaches are likely to have the best success in weaning adult clients off addictive behaviours?
• How useful are anti-craving medications/substitutes?
• Is complete abstinence the preferred recovery model for all clients?
• How to challenge the alcohol/drug culture framework and support clients in their recovery programs.

Participation in therapeutic counselling and group work

• First aid tips for panic attacks.

12.30 pm - Lunch Break and Browse the Book Display

1.30 pm - Motivational Interviewing Techniques

Interviewing those who have addictive behaviours needs to be performed very carefully and within a professional framework. You will now have an opportunity to learn motivational interviewing techniques. (Role play application)

• What are the reasons why alcohol/drug dependant clients fail to respond fully to treatment?
• What can be done to assist them to be motivated about rehabilitation prospects?

WORKING WITH FAMILIES A look at the role of using a family therapy approach, when there is a family member who is addicted to drugs/ alcohol.

• What are some of the common family dynamics revealed in these situations?
• Measuring outcomes of therapeutic interventions.

3.00 pm - Afternoon Tea & Coffee

3.15 pm - Dual Diagnosis Case Scenario

This final session will bring all of the concepts you have learned together and will include a:

• Presentation of an illustrative case scenario to highlight adverse effects and nursing challenges, that require high levels of problem-solving skills.
• Time for your questions and comments.

4.00 pm - Close of Program and Evaluations