People with substance abuse problems should be referred to a health facility 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. 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.

Last modified: Friday, 4 July 2014, 5:38 PM