Assessment of addiction is typically the first step when addressing any addiction problem. It aims to find out whether or not there is an addiction problem, the extent of the problem, whether there are any co-occurring conditions and the best treatment plan for the addiction problem. Addictions vary as individuals respond differently to different forms of treatments. Various factors may trigger and contribute to addiction such as risk factors, drug experimentation, lack of supervision, and inadequate social skills. The successful adoption of a responsive treatment plan relates to the identification of such factors and protective ones such as establishing good relationships, monitoring, and succinct anti-drug policies. The widely used models of addictions assessment can psychological and laboratory-based.
The psychological assessment looks at the addict’s state of mind. The focus relates to assessing the addict’s emotions and behaviors. It seeks to find the vantage point and the predisposing factors that pushed the addict to the dependency point. It works well because it does not only look at alleviating the dependency but also seek to establish the cause of the problem and deal with fully. However, the greatest drawback relates to the very strict standardized authorization protocols during the assessment. These protocols prescribe certain periods and service units within which the assessment should be completed. It ignores other variables that may occur necessitating more time to complete the assessment. Such strict regimes may interfere with the effectiveness of the assessment.
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On laboratory testing, biological specimens from the individual such as strands of hair and urine are normally used to determine the presence of drugs in the body. The testing confirms that the individual is actually using the drug. Although it is difficult to confirm the level of addiction and the triggers of the substance abuse problem, it does not address the problem holistically. A challenge might also be experienced in circumstances where the materials for testing are costly or the participants are unwilling to submit their specimen for fear of victimization.
Overall, psychological and laboratory addiction assessment methods are essential in the detection and subsequent management of addition. Given the challenges associated with both models, perhaps, a hybrid of the two will yield better results especially in the formulation of proper management plans.
References
Ballesteros, R. (2003). Encyclopedia of psychological assessment . London Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
Donovan, D. & Marlatt, G. (2008). Assessment of addictive behaviors . New York, NY: Guilford.
