Definition:
A set of values that indicate the frequency of using the primary problem substance, as reported by a client, in the 30 days prior to initiation of treatment at an agency providing either substance abuse or problem gambling treatment services or both.
Guide for Use:
For the primary problem substance identified by the client, select the client's frequency of use in the 30 days prior to the initiation of treatment services.
This information is collected at the initiation of treatment services.
This information is typically client self-reported. However, it may also be obtained from referral documentation or from family members. All information collected is to be confirmed by the client or by the substitute decision maker.
Format:
| Permissible Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| Did not use | Selected when the client has had no substance usage in the past 30 days. |
| 1-3 times monthly | Selected when the client has consumed a substance(s) one to three times during the past 30 days. |
| 1-2 times weekly | Selected when the client has consumed a substance(s) one to two times weekly over the last 30 days. |
| 3-6 times weekly | Selected when the client has consumed a substance(s) three to six time weekly over the last 30 days. |
| Daily | Selected when client has consumed a substance(s) every day in the last 30 days. |
| Binge | Selected when the client periodically and excessively consumes a substance; Binge drinking - to mean consuming five or more standard drinks (male), or four or more drinks (female), over a 2-hour period. |
| Unknown | Selected when client unable or unwilling to provide the response; selected when the client or substitute decision maker were asked to provide a response and refused, preferred not to respond or were unable to provide a response; collection of a response was not possible; selected when a response may not have been requested or was not recorded and it is no longer possible to collect a response. |
Context:
- Used in conjunction with the data elements Substances Used in Prior 12 Months and Presenting Problem Substances to identify, monitor, determine and evaluate the patterns, severity and complexity of the substance use in order to provide for planning and delivery of treatment services specifically for the client and non-specifically for the treatment population across the province.
- Used to monitor and evaluate substance abuse treatment processes and outcomes for clients in substance abuse services.
- Used in conjunction with other data elements to describe and group the treatment population for reporting and analysis.
- Types of Substance Used is regularly reported to the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MoHLTC), Local Health Integrated Networks (LHIN) and agencies.
