Getting What You Need Out Of Counseling

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After my husband passed away, I found myself spiraling into a deep depression. Instead of living with feelings of anxiety, frustration, and isolation, I decided to meet with a counselor to work things out. It was really interesting to talk through my problems with another person. After only a few sessions, I started to feel like myself again. I know how hard it can be to learn a new normal, which is why I want to encourage each of you to seek counseling. I know that if you search for a professional who can meet your needs, you can feel whole again.

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Common Alcohol Assessments Used To Assess Substance Abuse Disorder

6 September 2022
 Categories: , Blog

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If you suspect that you have a substance abuse disorder related to alcohol or somebody else has concerns about your health, you may undergo an alcohol assessment. The type of assessment will usually be based on the severity of your symptoms and may even be conducted by different professionals.

Here are some common types of alcohol assessments you may undergo.

CAGE Questionnaire

This four-question survey is a preliminary assessment. It is not as reliable on its own but can give healthcare professionals an idea of whether you should be further assessed for alcoholism.

The questions involved in CAGE assess whether you feel a need to cut down on your drinking, whether you are annoyed by people addressing your drinking, whether you feel guilty about your drinking, and whether you need to drink in the morning to wake up.

Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST)

The MAST is a 25-question survey that contains true or false and yes or no questions. It is used to screen for alcohol abuse and dependence.

Questions assess your drinking habits, including how often you drink and how much you drink when you do. They also ask about the impact of your drinking on your life, such as whether you've missed work or school because of drinking.

Treatment Services Review (TSR)

The TSR is a clinical interview that assesses alcohol abuse and dependence. It is usually conducted by a trained professional, such as a counselor, social worker, or psychologist.

During the TSR, the interviewer will ask about your drinking habits and how alcohol has affected your life. They will also ask about your mental and physical health, social support system, and employment history.

The interviewer will use this information to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.

Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) Assessment

The DSM is a manual used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental disorders. It contains criteria for diagnosing substance abuse and dependence. A mental health professional will compare your symptoms or experiences to the criteria in the DSM.

If you meet the criteria for substance abuse or dependence, you will be diagnosed with a substance use disorder. This diagnosis can be used to guide treatment and determine the level of care you need, such as inpatient or outpatient treatment.

Alcohol Assessment Can Help You Get the Treatment You Need

If you think you may have a problem with alcohol, it's important to get assessed by a healthcare professional. Alcohol assessments can help you get the treatment you need to recover from alcoholism.

To learn more, reach out to a company like Alcohol, Drug & Assessment Center / A Better Choice Counseling.