Screening for substance use and related issues by specialist alcohol, tobacco and other drug treatment and support services in the ACT : Discussion paper

The Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT (ATODA) is the peak body representing the non-government and government alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) sector in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). ATODA seeks to promote health through the prevention and reduction of the harms associated with ATOD.

In recent years,the ACT’s specialist alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) treatment and support services have sought to strengthen their capacity to screen for ATOD and associated issues (including mental and physical health), implement brief interventions, match treatment and support needs, communicate services and referral pathways, and provide ATOD information, including that with a harm reduction focus.

This discussion paper is designed to support the next stage of the Screening Project, which has included the development of the e-ASSIST for the ACT and the ACT e-ASSIST implementation Pilot (Stage One). This paper examines the range and feasibility of using screening tools within specialist ATOD treatment and support services and the ATOD sector more broadly.

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