Narrative Reflection: In this learning activity, you will reflect on a memorable experience you have had talking with a patient about their substance use and answer questions regarding the interaction and what areas or issues you found to be challenging or rewarding.

Step 1: Reflect

Reflect on any memorable interaction you would have had with a patient regarding their substance use, paying attention to what would have made that particular interaction interesting, rewarding or challenging.

Step 2: Respond

Prepare a  300-400 word reflection discussing the following key points as it relates to your interaction with the patient: 

• A brief description of the interaction 
• What did you find rewarding and/or challenging about this encounter?
• What people or resources helped you care for this patient?  How?
• What do you wish you could have done differently with this patient?
• What questions or insights does this reflection exercise bring to mind about addressing substance issues with your patients?

Step 3: Share [10 minutes]

To share your work, click on the “Add a new discussion topic” button under this post and paste your work into the “Message” box. Make sure to reference others’ intellectual property when necessary. All references should follow 7th Edition APA formatting. For further instructions, see the resource on the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library: APA citation resource (N.B. references are excluded from word counts).

Step 4: Interact [10 minutes]

To complete the activity, you will need to reply to at least two posts made by your peers in a respectful and professional manner. Be sure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas on other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.”

OPTIONAL Step 5: Interact (10 minutes)

If you would like to, you can reply to your peers' posts in a respectful and professional manner. Ensure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas of other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.”

Reflection: In this learning activity, you will discuss the prevalence of substance use in your practice or clinical setting and the stigma surrounding it.

Step 1: Review and Reflect

Review the statement below and watch the video: 

“At Boston University: Physicians reported that 24% of their patients had alcohol abuse or dependence and 15% had drug abuse or dependence.”

Reflect on your clinical experience to answer questions as it relates to the prevalence and risk of substance use and the stigma surrounding its use.

Based on the statement, consider that you have ten patients on your next clinic schedule. 

Step 2: Respond

Prepare a  400-500 word reflection discussing the following key points:

•  How common are these various problems?
• What’s the spectrum of alcohol or drug use in your patients?  
• Out of those 10 patients you are expected to see in a day, how many would you estimate have a substance use disorder versus risky use? 
• How has stigma been observed in your practice?
• How does it affect patients seeking treatment?
• Why is using appropriate and people-centered language important?
• How have you sought to reduce or minimize the stigma associated with substance use?

Step 3: Share [10 minutes]

To share your work, click on the “Add a new discussion topic” button under this post and paste your work into the “Message” box. Make sure to reference others’ intellectual property when necessary. All references should follow 7th Edition APA formatting. For further instructions, see the resource on the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library: APA citation resource (N.B. references are excluded from word counts).

Step 4: Interact [10 minutes]

To complete the activity, you will need to reply to at least two posts made by your peers in a respectful and professional manner. Be sure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas on other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.”

OPTIONAL Step 5: Interact (10 minutes)

If you would like to, you can reply to your peers' posts in a respectful and professional manner. Ensure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas of other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.”