Substance Use Assessment Process Paper

The assessment process for identifying substance use and other addictive disorders helps identify individuals who require professional help; it also helps of what level of treatment will they required. The assessment process also helps identify the weakness and strengths of the client. It also helps by identifying the goals the client wants to work on as they start treatment. According to Concepts of Chemical Dependency" The assessment process is more than a one-time paperwork procedure conducted at the onset of treatment to simply gather minimal facts and secure a diagnosis." (pg. 403). Therefore, assessment process for identifying substance use is to get additional information and test results should not be used for diagnosed purpose.
According to the Concepts of Chemical Dependency" Assessment need to be sensitive to the cultural beliefs of the client, and be aware that different cultural groups might have different beliefs about substance use than the dominant culture." (pg.410). Therefore, the counselor will consider what screening and assessment tool to use while working with a substance user. According to Concepts of Chemical Dependency “self-report instruments offer the advantages of being inexpensive, and they may be less threatening to the client than face to face interviews because clients might experience feeling of shame, distrust, hopeless and discomfort during the face to face interview.” (pg.404). If a counselor feels that the client will feel more comfortable doing a self-report and will be honest then the counselor should provide their client with a self-report. According to International association of addition “Each behavioral/process addiction has its' own screening and assessment measures, which are at different stages…” For that reason, the counselor will determine what appropriate assessment the client will