Empathy: Talking to Patients About Substance Use Disorder

• Start by letting your patient know that you care about them and want to partner with them in getting them the help they For example, “Would it be alright with you if I asked you some questions about your substance use?”
• Reassure your patient that they have the option of not answering a question if it makes them feel uncomfortable.

Tell your patient that any discomfort they are feeling is normal and that they are not alone. For example, “This is not unusual. Many patients find it hard to talk about their substance use…” or, “Talking about substance use can be uncomfortable.”

Explain that it is important for you to ask specific questions because it is relevant to their treatment. For example, “I need to ask you some very specific questions about your use of [XXX] in order to better understand how we can improve your health and keep you safe.”

Remind your patient that recovery is possible and that paths to recovery look different for different people.

• Let patients know that you respect their confidentiality and will comply with the protections provided by law for Patients have a right to be informed about any limitations you may face in providing 100% confidentiality.
• Tell patients of any limited instances when you are required by law to report a threat of harm to self or others.

• Actively listen to your
• Engage with your patient in a non-judgmental
• Treat your patient with respect and address their substance use disorder as the medical disease that it is.
• Help your patient understand that you intend to connect them to the comprehensive treatment services they might need, and that recovery is possible.