Substance Abuse Evaluation
What makes a substance abuse assessment evolve?
Everywhere is a little different, but the basics are the same: Physical examination, psychological testing and psychiatric evaluation (if indicated) all performed by licensed medical personnel, psychologists and psychiatrists. Assessment tests using nationally recognized and validated screening tools (Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory, SASSI-3, Michigan Alcohol Screening Test, MAST, Diagnostic Statistical Manual, DSM-IV and the American Society of Addiction Medicine Diagnostic Criteria for Substance Abuse and Dependence). A psychosocial evaluation is performed by a master level of addiction. Specialist clients are seen for mood, behavior and mental state. Clinical Interview and evaluation. (The full interview is conducted to gather information in a number of areas, including family history, social history, history of law, medical history, history of mental health and substance use history and patterns. The interview also assesses client responses and reactions.) Following a written evaluation and recommendation of clinical treatment summary is generated and supplied to the customer and / or reference source.
1. Congressional briefing on Substance Abuse Policy: “What We Know and Where We Need to Go” Tobacco
