Tips for new interns taking care of anyone (people who use drugs):
1. Don't use the word abuse in your notes or consults. Use DSM-5 + person first language.
2. Be compassionate, curious, + respectful of ppl's expertise over their bodies.
3. Treat withdrawal! It is life-saving!
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@DrKimSue
super helpful! would also suggest: be careful not to completely overcorrect - not all substance use is "disorder", so jumping from "abuse" straight to SUD without exploring the actual criteria for it also hurts
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@DrKimSue
i'm not an intern but going to add (as someone currently on the cards service): telling people "why can't you quit smoking" after an NSTEMI without offering any resources isn't helpful. if it were that easy, pts would. the narrative of "wake up call" in medicine is interesting...
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