Title: When to refer for these substances
Course: Non-Communicable Diseases, Emergency Care and Mental Health Part 2 - Ethiopia (Full)

When to refer for these substances

People with substance abuse problems should be referred to a health centre or general hospital when there is a serious medical condition, for example, diabetes mellitus or chronic liver disease. If the patient has a severe mental disorder, like psychosis, they should be referred to the nearest mental health service for better evaluation and management (see also Study Session 13). When people use large amounts of substances and/or multiple substances, or if they are unable to stop despite your guidance, they should be referred to a substance abuse treatment centre or to a hospital with a psychiatrist.