Designing an Intake Process Assessing a client for addiction ✓ Solved

Assessing a client for addiction can be a challenge, especially if the client has not chosen to voluntarily seek treatment. What are the key outcomes needed from an intake process in order to effectively assess clients? This Assignment will familiarize you with the rationale and process behind assessment.

To prepare for this Assignment: Review Learning the Language of Addictions Counseling: Chapter 3, “Assessment and Diagnosis of Addiction” Chapter 4, “Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders” Review the sample intake form provided as a guide. Select one addiction for which you will write a paper. By Day 7, submit a 4- to 6-page paper that includes the following:

  • Background information on the addiction you have chosen to write about. Use at least 2–3 sources of information that describe how to assess your chosen addiction.

  • Elements of an intake process that would elicit relevant information on an individual demonstrating signs of this addiction, including the following:

  • Two addiction evaluation measures that might be appropriate for that individual, and explain why you chose them.

  • Five questions you would ask to assess for addiction.

  • Five questions you would not ask, and explain why these questions would be inappropriate.

Paper For Above Instructions

### Introduction

The intake process is a critical first step in the assessment and subsequent intervention for individuals struggling with addiction. This paper focuses on alcohol addiction, which is one of the most common and socially accepted forms of addiction. Understanding the nuances of alcohol addiction is vital for creating effective assessment strategies that lead to impactful treatment.

### Background Information on Alcohol Addiction

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to significant impairment or distress, manifested by at least two criteria within a 12-month period (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). This includes symptoms like cravings, withdrawal, and continued use despite negative consequences.

The prevalence of AUD is alarming, impacting millions globally. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) estimates that approximately 14.5 million adults in the U.S. had AUD in 2019 (NIAAA, 2020). The assessment of alcohol addiction typically incorporates a combination of self-reported measures, clinical interviews, and standardized evaluation tools.

### Elements of an Effective Intake Process

An effective intake process for assessing alcohol use disorder should include methodologies tailored to elicit comprehensive information regarding the individual's drinking behaviors, the context of their use, and their psychological, social, and medical situations. The intake should encompass:

1. Biopsychosocial History: Gathering information about the individual's biological, psychological, and social factors influencing their alcohol use.

2. Standardized Screening Tools: Incorporating validated screening instruments to quantify the severity of alcohol use.

### Addiction Evaluation Measures

1. Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT): The AUDIT is a 10-item questionnaire that gauges alcohol consumption, drinking behaviors, and alcohol-related problems. It is a sensitive tool widely utilized in both clinical and community settings (Babor et al., 2001). Choosing this evaluation allows professionals to assess the severity of the individual's alcoholism and identifies the need for further intervention.

2. CAGE Questionnaire: This brief assessment tool consists of four questions designed to identify potential problems with alcohol. It is particularly effective in primary care settings and can efficiently determine if further evaluation for alcohol use disorder is necessary (Ewing, 1984).

### Five Questions to Ask During Intake

To thoroughly assess for alcohol addiction during the intake, the following questions can be employed:

  1. How often do you consume alcohol, and how much do you typically drink on a given occasion?

  2. Have you ever experienced withdrawal symptoms when you’ve tried to cut down or stop drinking?

  3. Do you frequently find yourself drinking more than you intended or for a longer period than planned?

  4. Have you ever neglected responsibilities at work or home because of your drinking?

  5. Is there a history of alcohol-related problems in your family?

These questions help clinicians discern the extent of the problem and the impact of alcohol on the individual's life.

### Five Questions Not to Ask and Rationale

While conducting an intake assessment, some inquiries may not be suitable:

  1. “Why can’t you just stop drinking?”

  2. “Do you think you might be overreacting about your alcohol use?”

  3. “Aren't you concerned about what others think of your drinking?”

  4. “Have you tried harder to quit?”

  5. “Are you just looking for attention?”

These questions may invoke defensiveness and are likely to hinder rapport building. They fail to respect the individual’s experiences and can be perceived as judgmental, which may shut down open communication.

### Conclusion

Effectively assessing an individual for alcohol addiction necessitates a structured intake process that incorporates validated screening tools and sensitive questioning. Understanding the appropriate measures to implement as well as the questions to avoid ensures that clients receive appropriate care and support necessary for recovery. Recognizing these distinctions helps clinicians develop tailored interventions designed to meet individual client needs.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

  • Babor, T.F., de la Fuente, J.R., Saunders, J., & Grant, M. (2001). AUDIT: The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test: Guidelines for use in primary care. World Health Organization.

  • DiFranza, J.R., Ursprung, W.W., & Contreras, G.A. (2011). Assessment of tobacco addiction in adolescents. International Journal of Mental Health, 40(1), 65–84.

  • Ewing, J.A. (1984). Detecting alcoholism. The CAGE questionnaire. Journal of the American Medical Association, 252(14), 1905–1907.

  • Garcia, F.D., & Thibaut, F. (2010). Sexual addictions. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 36(5), 254–260.

  • Hartney, E. (2011). The difference between an addiction and a compulsion. Retrieved from [source link].

  • Levine, S.B. (2010). What is sexual addiction? Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 36(3), 261–275.

  • NIAAA. (2020). Alcohol Facts and Statistics. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

  • Shaw, M., & Black, D.W. (2008). Internet addiction: Definition, assessment, epidemiology and clinical management. CNS Drugs, 22(5), 353–365.

  • Wareham, J.D., & Potenza, M.N. (2010). Pathological gambling and substance use disorders. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 36(5), 242–247.