We're back with another episode and this month we're focusing on one of the most important skills we learn in medicine, history taking! Specifically in this episode we focus on taking a good substance use history while remaining sensitive and providing patient-centred care. Please see below for the terms we discussed in episodes. Enjoy!

Terminology (Terms can change over time and they are usually regionally specific, so this list is most specific to the West Coast)

Substance names

Up = Stimulants (Usually cocaine, in powder or crack form)
Down = Opioids (Not specific to a single opioid, but usually in BC refers to fentanyl)
Side = crystal methamphetamine (or crystal)
Combinations:

Speedball = cocaine and opioids
Goofball = Crystal meth and opioids

Quantity of substance

A Point = 0.1 gram
8 ball/a ball = 1/8 of an ounce = 3.5 g

Route of Injection

Smashing = inject in any form (IV, IM, SC)
Muscling = intramuscular injections
Skin popping = subcutaneous injections
Jugging = injection directly into the jugular vein

6. Taking a Good Substance Use History with Dr. Elise Jackson