Substance Use Disorders

QUESTION

Describe the screening and assessment process of substance use disorders.
Compare and contrast two methods of assessment approaches and include some limitations and strengths of each.
Identify an assessment method that you would use with the case study of Marge and provide a rationale for the assessment models you selected.

Please look at the following question and address it in 500 words using 2 peer-reviewed articles.

Screening and Assessment Process of Substance Use Disorders: The screening and assessment process for substance use disorders typically involves gathering information to determine the presence and severity of substance abuse or dependence. This process helps understand the individual’s substance use patterns, identify associated problems, and develop appropriate treatment plans. The assessment process typically includes several components, such as a detailed history, clinical interviews, questionnaires, and sometimes biological tests.

Compare and contrast two methods of assessment approaches and include some limitations and strengths of each.

Comparison of Two Assessment Approaches:

Clinical Interview: The clinical interview is a widely used assessment approach that involves a face-to-face conversation between the clinician and the individual. It allows for a comprehensive evaluation of substance use, psychological symptoms, and social functioning. The strengths of the clinical interview include its flexibility, the opportunity to establish rapport, and the ability to gather detailed information. However, it may be subject to biases, such as social desirability or interviewer bias, and it relies on the individual’s self-report, which may not always be accurate or reliable.
Standardized Questionnaires: Standardized questionnaires, such as the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) or the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST), provide a structured approach to assess substance use disorders. These questionnaires consist of items designed to evaluate different aspects of substance use, including quantity and frequency of use, consequences, and dependence symptoms. The strengths of standardized questionnaires include their ease of administration, objectivity, and the ability to compare results across individuals. However, they may not capture the full complexity of an individual’s substance use, and they rely on self-report, which can be influenced by recall biases or dishonesty.

Identify an assessment method that you would use with the case study of Marge and provide a rationale for the assessment models you selected.

Assessment Method for Marge: For the case study of Marge, a comprehensive assessment approach would be recommended due to the complexity of her substance use and associated problems. Combining clinical interviews and standardized questionnaires would provide a more holistic understanding of her situation. The clinical interview would allow the clinician to establish a therapeutic relationship, explore Marge’s substance use history, gather contextual information, and assess her motivation for change. Additionally, standardized questionnaires like the AUDIT or DAST could be used to obtain quantitative data on the severity of substance use and identify potential areas of concern.

The rationale behind this assessment model is to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of Marge’s substance use disorder while also considering her circumstances. The clinical interview allows Marge to share her experiences and concerns, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of her substance use. The standardized questionnaires, on the other hand, offer a structured and objective assessment that can help quantify the severity of her substance use and identify specific areas to focus on in treatment. It is important to note that the assessment method should be tailored to the individual’s needs and context and conducted by a qualified healthcare professional experienced in substance use disorder assessments.