Z71.5: Drug abuse counselling and surveillance

Drug abuse counseling and surveillance are related to the management and monitoring of individuals who use or have been dependent on drugs, often leading to harmful physical, psychological, and social effects. This encompasses both legal substances, like prescription medications, alcohol, nicotine, as well as illegal substances such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines. Through counseling, individuals are educated about the dangers of drug misuse and addiction, assisted in understanding the root causes of their drug abuse, and provided with strategies to maintain sobriety. Surveillance involves a systematic approach to collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information, which helps in monitoring the person's progress, detecting potential relapses, and making timely interventions. Affected individuals often exhibit symptoms such as drastic changes in behavior, neglected responsibilities, risky behaviors, and health problems related to their drug use. This condition does not discriminate, affecting individuals across different age groups, genders, and socioeconomic statuses. It's important to note that drug abuse and dependence are complex conditions, often requiring long-term or even lifelong management.