Assessment
If a person has evidence of unhealthy drinking, fuller assessment is needed. This should include asking about past withdrawal symptoms, such as ‘grog shakes’ or history of seizures, in order to predict severity of future withdrawal. Individuals who drink episodically or intermittently may experience less severe (or no) withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking despite a relatively high consumption per occasion and other features of dependence.
A sensitive assessment of harms can help the patient reflect on the impacts of alcohol on a number of areas of their life (e.g. exploring these issues gently and using reflective listening). One culturally secure example of a holistic approach to assessing the harms of alcohol or drug-related harms is the ‘Seven L’s’ model of the Strong Spirit Strong Mind program1. This considers the individual in the context of family, community and culture.
| Chapter |
Recommendation |
Grade of recommendation |
| 15.15 |
A holistic and integrated approach to assessment and care should be used, considering the client in the context of the family, the community, the country and environment (urban/remote). |
GPP |
| 15.16 |
When assessing likely withdrawal severity, consider episodic or intermittent drinking patterns as well as past withdrawal severity. |
GPP |