After reviewing any past psychiatric symptoms and treatment, most psychiatrists will spend some time learning about any past and any current substance use.
It doesn’t matter if the substances are legal or illegal. And for the purposes of an evaluation, these questions have nothing to do with the legal system. The answers will remain only in your medical chart.
Most people use a substance because it changes the way they feel, they way they act, or how they are thinking. If a person uses a substance frequently or regularly, it probably indicates that they find something beneficial about its use. That is worth exploring.
Common categories of substances that will be explored are:
Nicotine
Caffeine
Ethanol
Marijuana
Prescription Medication Misuse
Illicits, including cocaine, heroine, and methamphetamine
Common questions asked about each substance include:
When did you start?
Why did you start?
Why do you use it?
Are you still using this substance?
What happens if you try to stop? Alternatively, what was it like to stop?
If you are still using, how much are you using? How often?
Have you noticed any lifestyle or social consequences related to this substance?
There is a theme that I return to over and over again: Just do your best to be honest, and ask questions if something is confusing. Personally, it is never my goal to go “Gotcha!” Honestly, the more I know about what’s on your plate, the more helpful I can be as we move towards planning care.
Exploring past and current substance use can be a challenging topic, but doing so usually yields incredibly helpful information that is worth the time investment.
-Leilani M. Sharpe, M.D., Ph.D.
Comments