If you see a person with poor physical health or who is prone to repeated accidents, or has a reputation for failing to live up to their responsibilities, ask if they use any of the substances mentioned above. Ask the questions in Box 14.4 to help you to identify and help people with tobacco, khat or cannabis use problems.

Box14.4 Identifying someone with a tobacco, khat or cannabis use problem.

Questions to ask family and friends:

  • Have you noticed any change in their behaviour or that of their friends? If yes, what is the nature of this behaviour and when did it start?
  • Do you suspect they are chewing khat, smoking cigarettes or using cannabis?
  • How do you feel about this? (This question is helpful because the attitude of the family towards substance abuse is an important factor in treatment, especially in developing countries such as Ethiopia.)

Questions to ask the person using tobacco, khat or cannabis:

  • Have you been chewing khat or smoking cigarettes and/or cannabis?
  • In what situations do you chew khat or smoke cigarettes and/or cannabis?
  • How is the use of khat, cigarettes or cannabis affecting your health? Your family? Your work?
  • Have ever you tried to stop chewing khat, or to stop smoking cigarettes or cannabis on your own?
  • Would you like to stop using khat, cigarettes and/or cannabis?
  • Who is supporting you now? (This question is relevant because the presence of social support is an important factor in the success of treatment.)
Last modified: Friday, 27 June 2014, 11:17 PM