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QUESTION: Does anyone have a policy on serving individuals who either admit active illegal substance use or test positive for using illegal substances while in services? Multiple member organizations said they do not have a policy in place and/or have yet had this situation occur. We follow our incident policy for police involvement. We have a statement in our Admission Criteria about this issue. If after acceptance into services, we find that an individual is actively using, then we involve the VRC and made abstinence a requirement of services. Monitoring abstinence can include regular screenings, but may also include attending AA or NA meetings, or participating in a addiction program. If we decide to do screenings, and they do test positive we can then decide together how to proceed. Every situation is unique, and every VRC may handle this differently. Sometimes a positive screen can result in the case being closed; sometimes it may be put on hold; and sometimes services may continue but we will monitor attendance and participation. Admitting to use and/or testing positive doesn't always need to equate with case closure. Relapse is a part of the disease of addiction, and you have to look at other factors and qualities of the individual being served. We don’t have a policy per se, but fully understand that if someone can give informed consent and understand the risks associated with illegal drug use, then they have the right to make that choice. We would, as a best practice, help them to understand that we cannot be involved in making that choice, nor be present when illegal substance use is occurring. We do not have a policy regarding illegal substances. In our group homes we do have a house rule of no alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia on the group home property. We don’t have a specific policy addressing this issue, however our Safeguarding Individual Rights policy does indirectly cover it. The right to meet privately with and communicate with persons of your own choosing unless these associations infringe upon the rights of other consumers and/or is detrimental to your welfare. Any restrictions upon these rights will require the approval of the consumer and the entire interdisciplinary team This would only be the case if there were housemates and there was drug use with others in the home. This would not cover testing positive for illegal drug use. Our client handbook states: It is recognized by XX that all clients served have a responsibility to partner with their supports in a way that will enable them to lead more self-determined, quality-driven lives. It is expected that both support staff and clients will demonstrate respectful attitudes and behaviors that will contribute to a supportive, caring and positive environment. Our agency contacts the VR Counselor and places the individual on hold. While on hold, the VRC assists the individual with treatment if needed and the individual complies with random drug tests. Once the VRC determines the individual is able to pass drug tests and is ready to resume services he/she is taken off hold and services resume. When we have clients with these issues we inform Voc Rehab and they either put them on hold or close them out. The decision is based on the individual. Our organization does not have a policy in place for this issue. If a consumer admits, shows signs or fails a employer drug test we cease services until we are able to have a team meeting with their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to come up with a plan or next steps. Each situation is individualized but I don't believe we have a policy that addresses this particular situation. This information is a compilation of suggestions, ideas, and opinions shared by INARF Members in response to the featured question. This information should not be considered official interpretation or guidance of State or Federal Policy. Additionally, statements within this document do not necessarily reflect an official position or opinion of INARF.
QUESTION: Does anyone have a policy on serving individuals who either admit active illegal substance use or test positive for using illegal substances while in services?