These guidelines provide nurses and midwives with support and a benchmark for quality drug and alcohol use assessment and care in daily practice. Each clinician needs to use these guidelines within the context of their role and scope of practice, and update their knowledge by accessing new research and clinical guidelines as they emerge.

Chapters 1 to 8 outline general principles and guidelines for drug and alcohol assessment, intervention, communication with patients, and managing intoxication, overdose and withdrawal.

Chapter 9 provides specific information on commonly used substances, with details of symptoms, signs, management and risks.

Chapter 10 provides additional information on pharmacotherapies for dependence on alcohol and on opioids.

The Appendices provide withdrawal assessment scales and other useful information.

The Handouts section contains handouts on selected drugs that you can photocopy and give to your patients.

The Glossary describes terms used in these guidelines related to drug and alcohol issues.