Screening, Assessment, and Diagnosis

Screening is a process used to identify individuals who may be at risk for a substance use problem by having them answer a few questions about their use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. An extensive assessment of substance use disorders (SUDs) requires a multidimensional approach and differs from other mental health assessments in that detailed information is obtained on patterns of alcohol or other drug use, negative consequences of use, physiological and behavioral dependence, cognitive impairment, motivation for change, potential effects of substances on psychiatric disorders, attitudes and beliefs about continued use and abstinence, and the client’s strengths, resources, and social support networks. Diagnosis determines whether a client meets criteria for a SUD, which in turn may affect treatment planning and access to services. The best approach to diagnosis is through a comprehensive clinical interview and identifying criteria that match a client’s symptomatology.