The importance of an addiction assessment

addiction assessment

Reasons to get an addiction assessment if you are experiencing signs of an addiction

Those who have addictions may not be aware that their dependency on a specific substance is becoming an addiction.

Sometimes not everyone can easily spot the signs of addiction or may not be able to differentiate their symptoms compared to casually using.

It’s important to get an addiction assessment so that you can be assessed by a consultant psychiatrist who will be able to identify any dual-diagnoses or any other mental health conditions.

Being aware of any underlying problems is the first step needed to get better.

People can develop an addiction to:

  • Cocaine
  • Heroin
  • Alcohol
  • Prescription tablets
  • Ketamine
  • And more

What is an addiction assessment?

An addiction assessment is the beginning of your journey to overcoming an addiction.

Addiction assessments are carried out to get a better understanding of the patient that wants to get help for their dependency on their specific substance.

Often performed to access the best methods of treatments for patients and getting a better understanding of their addiction.

Patients are encouraged to be open-minded while also mentioning any physical, mental and psychological issues (such as trauma or depression) that they might be struggling with.

If you want to get a free addiction assessment, click here to get from Catch Recovery in London who are known .

Performing an addiction assessment

Dedicated addiction specialists perform patients with an assessment to get an understanding of each patient’s dependency on their substance.

Addiction specialists factor in the three different categories of addiction:

  • Generic (measures the patient’s health)
  • Dimension (measures the patient’s addiction)
  • Condition-specific (measures the patient’s dependence and related conditions)

The addiction assessment is beneficial for patients and doctors because it provides the correct treatment methods that will provide the patient with the best results.

Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with addiction, an addiction specialist develops the best treatment methods based on the patient’s circumstances.

addiction assessmentSome of the different treatment methods that are offered to patients include:

  • Inpatient programs (also known as residential rehab) is a popular choice for those looking to get help for their dependency issues. Those who chose to go to an inpatient facility have access to around-the-clock help, more services – such as medical care, counselling and life skills training.
  • Outpatient programs are a common choice for those who want to get help for their addiction. Unlike inpatients programs, they are performed at home and do not have the same programs/services that inpatient programs offer.

Performing an addiction assessment

When an addiction assessment is performed, the patient will be asked about:

  • Their substance abuse history
  • Any previous treatment
  • The extent of their addiction
  • Withdrawal experiences

Medical tests are also performed during the addiction assessment process to assist in the creation of the patient’s development plan.

Patients will be required to take:

  • Blood tests
  • Breath tests
  • Urine tests

If you think you are struggling with an addiction and would like to get professional and medical help, it is important to get an addiction assessment as identifying the issue is the best way to ensure that it is fixed.

Those who are experiencing any addiction do not have to live with it.

The earlier it is treated, the earlier the dependency on the substance is removed.

Visit here for free information from the NHS about overcoming addiction.