TAP 21 - SAMHSA Store - Substance Abuse and Mental Health ...

PD I. Clinical Evaluation
Competency 26:
Screen for psychoactive substance toxicity, intoxication, and withdrawal
symptoms; aggression or danger to others; potential for self-inflicted harm or
suicide; and co-occurring mental disorders.
Knowledge
uX Symptoms of intoxication, withdrawal,
and toxicity for all psychoactive
substances, alone and in interaction with
one another.
u Physical, pharmacological, and
psychological implications of psychoactive
substance use.
u Effects of chronic psychoactive substance
use or intoxication on cognitive abilities.
u Available resources for help with drug
reactions, withdrawal, and violent
behavior.
u When to refer for toxicity screening or
additional professional help.
u Basic concepts of toxicity screening
options, limitations, and legal
implications.
u Toxicology reporting language and the
meaning of toxicology reports.
u Relationship between psychoactive
substance use and violence.
u Basic diagnostic criteria for suicide risk,
danger to others, withdrawal syndromes,
and major psychiatric conditions.
u Mental and physical conditions that mimic
drug intoxication, toxicity, and withdrawal.
u Legal requirements concerning suicide
and violence potential and mandatory
reporting for abuse and neglect.
Skills
uX Eliciting pertinent information from the
client and relevant others.
u Intervening appropriately with a client
who may be intoxicated.
u Assessing suicide and/or violence potential
using an approved risk-assessment tool.
u Assessing risks of abuse and neglect of
children and others.
u Preventing and managing crises in
collaboration with health, mental health,
and public safety professionals.
Attitudes
uX Willingness to be respectful toward the
client in his or her presenting state.
u Appreciation of the importance of empathy
in the face of feelings of anger,
hopelessness, or suicidal or violent
thoughts and feelings.
u Appreciation of the importance of legal
and administrative obligations.
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