Questions to Ask About Drugs
Important questions to ask about drug use, addiction, treatment options, and recovery to understand the situation and provide appropriate support.
1How long have you been using, and what substances are you currently using?
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How long have you been using, and what substances are you currently using?
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Why this works
Establishes the scope and duration of use, which is crucial for understanding the situation and determining appropriate support.
2What led you to start using, and what keeps you using?
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What led you to start using, and what keeps you using?
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Why this works
Helps understand the underlying factors and triggers, which is essential for addressing the root causes of addiction.
3How is your drug use affecting your daily life, relationships, and responsibilities?
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How is your drug use affecting your daily life, relationships, and responsibilities?
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Why this works
Assesses the impact on their life and helps them recognize the consequences of their use.
4Have you tried to stop or cut back before? What happened?
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Have you tried to stop or cut back before? What happened?
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Why this works
Understands their previous attempts at recovery and what challenges they've faced, which can inform future treatment approaches.
5What support systems do you currently have in place?
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What support systems do you currently have in place?
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Why this works
Identifies existing resources and support networks that can be leveraged in their recovery journey.
6Are you experiencing any withdrawal symptoms or health problems related to your use?
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Are you experiencing any withdrawal symptoms or health problems related to your use?
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Why this works
Assesses immediate health concerns and determines if medical intervention is needed for safety.
7What would need to change in your life for you to consider getting help?
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What would need to change in your life for you to consider getting help?
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Why this works
Explores their readiness for change and what conditions might motivate them to seek treatment.
8What are your biggest fears about stopping or getting treatment?
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What are your biggest fears about stopping or getting treatment?
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Why this works
Addresses their concerns and barriers to treatment, which is crucial for building trust and motivation.
9What treatment options are you aware of, and what have you heard about them?
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What treatment options are you aware of, and what have you heard about them?
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Why this works
Assesses their knowledge of available resources and addresses any misconceptions about treatment.
10How can I best support you right now?
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How can I best support you right now?
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Why this works
Shows care and concern while respecting their autonomy and allowing them to express their needs.
11What would recovery look like for you?
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What would recovery look like for you?
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Why this works
Helps them envision a positive future and understand that recovery is possible and achievable.
12Are you concerned about your safety or the safety of others?
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Are you concerned about your safety or the safety of others?
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Why this works
Assesses immediate safety concerns and determines if emergency intervention is needed.
13What resources or information would be most helpful for you right now?
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What resources or information would be most helpful for you right now?
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Why this works
Identifies what specific support they need and how to provide it effectively.
14How do you feel about your drug use, and what are your thoughts about it?
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How do you feel about your drug use, and what are your thoughts about it?
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Why this works
Explores their feelings and thoughts about their use, which is important for understanding their perspective.
15What would you like to see change in your life?
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What would you like to see change in your life?
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Why this works
Helps them identify their goals and motivations for change, which can be powerful motivators for recovery.
16Are you open to learning more about treatment options?
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Are you open to learning more about treatment options?
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Why this works
Assesses their openness to information and treatment, which is crucial for moving forward.
17What would you need to feel safe and supported in seeking help?
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What would you need to feel safe and supported in seeking help?
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Why this works
Addresses their concerns about safety and support, which are often barriers to seeking treatment.
18How can we work together to address this situation?
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How can we work together to address this situation?
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Why this works
Shows collaboration and partnership, which is important for building trust and motivation.
19What questions do you have about treatment or recovery?
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What questions do you have about treatment or recovery?
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Why this works
Gives them a chance to ask questions and address any concerns they might have about the process.
20What would you like me to know about your situation?
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What would you like me to know about your situation?
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Why this works
Gives them control over what they share and allows them to provide context that might be important for understanding their situation.
Supporting Someone with Drug Use
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Approach with Compassion
Show Empathy
Approach the conversation with empathy and understanding, recognizing that addiction is a complex issue.
Avoid Judgment
Avoid judgmental language or attitudes that might make them feel ashamed or defensive.
Listen Actively
Listen to their responses with genuine interest and concern, showing that you care about their well-being.
Focus on Support
Offer Help
Offer practical help and support, such as accompanying them to appointments or providing resources.
Respect Their Autonomy
Respect their right to make their own decisions about treatment and recovery.
Be Patient
Be patient with the process, as recovery often involves setbacks and requires time.
Seek Professional Help
Encourage Treatment
Encourage them to seek professional treatment and support from qualified healthcare providers.
Provide Resources
Provide information about treatment options, support groups, and resources that can help.
Take Care of Yourself
Remember to take care of your own well-being and seek support for yourself as well.