how can the addiction process information enhance an assessment and course of treatment

by Melyssa Runolfsson Sr. 8 min read

What is addiction and how is it treated?

As defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is a chronic brain disease that affects the brain’s reward, pleasure, memory, and motivation. Like many chronic diseases, it does not just spring up one day.

How can I learn more about addiction treatment?

Sometimes one of the most helpful ways to learn about treatment is to speak with someone who understands the recovery process and the types of treatment options available.

Is addiction resource content medically reviewed or fact checked?

All Addiction Resource content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible. We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies.

What are the key principles of addiction treatment?

Based on scientific research since the mid-1970s, the following key principles should form the basis of any effective treatment program: Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior. No single treatment is right for everyone. People need to have quick access to treatment.

What is the most effective treatment for addiction?

According to American Addiction Centers, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a valuable treatment tool because it can be used for many different types of addiction including, but not limited to, food addiction, alcohol addiction, and prescription drug addiction.

How does a nurse assess for addiction?

"We assess the types of social problems they may have had as a result of their drinking," Orr says. These could include denial that there are any problems, behavioral changes, personality changes, depression, memory problems, isolation, anger, confusion, nervousness, and malnutrition.

What are 3 strategies often used to treat addiction?

There are many options that have been successful in treating drug addiction, including:behavioral counseling.medication.medical devices and applications used to treat withdrawal symptoms or deliver skills training.evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.More items...•

What is the most widely used assessment tool for addiction?

The SASSI-3 (Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory, 3rd Edition), is one of the most widely used proprietary screening tools in the United States.

How can a nurse help a patient with substance abuse?

Nurses monitor and assess a patient's treatment strategy and recovery process, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses. They're also responsible for administering patient medications, and in the case of MAT can deploy behavioral therapy techniques.

What is a drug dependency assessment?

A chemical dependency assessment is the first step used to determine the correct addiction treatment for an individual. The evaluation works to determine the level of dependency on a substance for an individual.

How do you develop a treatment plan for substance abuse?

Treatment plans should consider how substance abuse impacts all aspects of your life, including your mental, physical, social, and financial health....Here are the main elements of a treatment plan.Diagnostic Summary. ... Problem List. ... Goals. ... Objectives. ... Interventions. ... Tracking and Evaluating Progress. ... Planning Long-Term Care.

What is typically the first step in the substance abuse treatment process?

Typically, the first step in treatment and recovery from an addiction is known as detoxification. Which involves clearing the substance from the body and limiting withdrawal reactions – in many cases, detoxification treatment will involve medications to reduce and mitigate the withdrawal symptoms.

What is the first step in treating a drug abuse problem?

Detoxification is normally the first step in treatment. This involves clearing a substance from the body and limiting withdrawal reactions. In 80 percent of cases, a treatment clinic will use medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

How do you assess substance use?

A thorough substance use assessment includes a detailed inventory of the type, amount, frequency, and consequences of the patient's substance use, their perception of their use, and readiness to change. Additionally, we review past medical and psychiatric history and assess for co-occurring psychiatric disorders.

What considerations must be made for choosing an appropriate assessment tool?

There are four considerations to examine when designing an appropriate assessment method that will reflect the established learning goals and activities:Reliability.Standardization.Validity.Practicality.

What are some options for assessment tools for substance use disorders?

Substance Use Disorder Evaluation Tools:CAGE.ASSIST.AUDIT.AUDIT-C.CRAFFT.MAST.DAST.Fagerstrom Test.More items...

What is the evaluative process for substance abuse?

Providers need to have an evaluative process that can be used to create individualized, evidence based treatment, and that process includes a substance abuse assessment. There are many feelings a person experiences when standing face to face with their own substance misuse, abuse or addiction. All too often, shame and embarrassment keep ...

What are the sections of a substance abuse evaluation?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) , the sections of a substance abuse evaluation are screening and assessment.

What is a substance abuse screening?

Substance Abuse Screening. Substance abuse screening evaluates if a persons substance use may need further exploration for potential of an abuse disorder. There are different types of screening and the result of a screening is usually yes (positive) or no (negative). If the answer is yes (positive), it is used to indicate ...

How to evaluate a substance abuser?

The purpose of a substance abuse evaluation is to explore the following: 1 establish if the person meets criteria for a substance misuse disorder (drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) 2 find out the degree or severity of the substance misuse disorder 3 explore the possibility of a co-occurring disorder or poly-drug use 4 discover how much substance use is affecting the life of the individual

What does it mean when a substance abuse test is positive?

If the answer is yes (positive), it is used to indicate that a closer look is needed to determine if the substance use may warrant treatment. Different types of screenings for substance abuse include: Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI) – a self-report that is easy to take, administer, and score.

Why is it important to share accurate personal information?

Sharing accurate, truthful personal information is important in order to provide well-rounded appropriate treatment.

Why is it important to treat both mental health issues at the same time?

While it isn’t always clear if the mental health issue is a result of the substance abuse, or if the substance abuse is an attempt to self-medicate the mental health issue, it is important to treat both conditions at the same time to help increase the likelihood of long-term sobriety.

Why is understanding the extent and nature of a woman's substance use disorder and its interaction with other life areas important

Understanding the extent and nature of a woman’s substance use disorder and its interaction with other life areas is essential for careful diagnosis, appropriate case management, and successful treatment.

What should providers use to ensure that important information is obtained?

To ensure that important information is obtained, providers should use standardized screening and assessment instruments and interview protocols, some of which have been studied for their sensitivity, validity, and accuracy in identifying problems with women.

What is addiction in mental health?

Addiction is a specific, chronic mental health disorder that results in defined symptoms and behaviors that can be used to diagnose the condition. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), as described by Psych Central, the 11 signs and symptoms of substance use disorders like addiction include:

What is the next stage of addiction?

Abuse. The next stage of the addiction cycle is substance abuse. This is the point at which the person is using the substance on a recurring, improper basis; more simply, the World Health Organization simply defines substance abuse as using a substance in a way that is harmful.

What is addiction rehab?

As with the medications and therapies used to treat asthma and diabetes, the treatments in addiction rehab are designed to help the person learn to manage a chronic substance use disorder and reduce the likelihood of relapse to drug use.

What are the risk factors for addiction?

Whether or not that initial use is more likely to lead to addiction is often a matter of individual circumstances. Mayo Clinic describes a number of risk factors that can lead a person to have a higher risk of developing addiction, including: 1 Family history of substance abuse or other mental health disorder 2 Abuse or neglect 3 Chaotic living environment 4 Peer group or family that is permissive about substance use 5 Depression, social issues, or loneliness

What is the definition of abuse?

With legal substances like tobacco or alcohol, or with prescription medications, abuse is a little harder to delineate, but it is often defined as the point where the person is using the substance for the euphoric response, or high, that the drug creates, rather than for the social or treatment aspect of the substance.

What is the definition of addiction?

Addiction. Relapse. As defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is a chronic brain disease that affects the brain’s reward, pleasure, memory, and motivation. Like many chronic diseases, it does not just spring up one day. Often, several circumstances line up that, over time, ...

How long does it take for alcohol addiction to develop?

The multiple stages of addiction can occur over a short period of time, or they can take months or even years to develop. A person who has only occasionally had a casual drink may, over years, develop a habit that can turn to alcoholism.

Why do we need a process addiction assessment?

Because behavioral addictions look like substance use disorders, a process addiction assessment must be done as part of comprehensive diagnostic testing. While drug and alcohol abuse may be easier to spot, it’s still vital to uncover process addictions before establishing a treatment plan.

What is process addiction?

Process addictions are defined by behavioral issues that don’t involve substances. Also known as behavioral addictions, process addictions are typically impulse control disorders. Let’s start by taking a closer look at the definitions of addiction, behavior, and compulsiveness as they relate to psychiatric disorders.

What are the health effects of process addiction?

The health effects of process addictions are many, and common to all of them is the anxiety and distress that can cause physical problems if allowed to continue. Health problems can include: Sex Addiction: Venereal diseases, AIDs, unwanted pregnancies, risky sexual behaviors.

What is the definition of food addiction?

Food Addiction. People who regularly overeat and cannot control their eating behaviors struggle with food addictions. The menu is typically high in fats, sugars, or salts. People with food addictions describe euphoria when they are eating their favorite (usually unhealthy) foods.

How does exercise affect addiction?

Exercise releases endorphins and dopamine that cause a sense of well-being. People with exercise addictions compulsively seek the high caused by the endorphins and dopamine. They are not improving their health, but rather are harming themselves. It’s estimated that 3% of adult Americans suffer from exercise addiction.​​​ 10

Why do people attend 12-step meetings?

Attending 12-step meetings work because the support and guidance people receive from their peers is invaluable for developing coping skills and for avoiding relapse of process addictions.

How are kleptomania and shopping addiction similar?

Shopping addiction and kleptomania are similar in the fact that both are related to obtaining items through compulsive behaviors. The major difference is that shopping addiction involves legally purchasing the items where kleptomania involves stealing the items.

What is drug addiction?

Drug addiction is a complex illness characterised by compulsive and at times, uncontrollable drug craving, seeking, and use that persist even in the face of extremely negative consequences. (NIDA, 1999) .

Is drug use motivated by pleasure?

There is a believe that drug use is motivated (at least initially) by the pursuit of pleasure. However, according to scientific evidence, there are factors such as exposure to abuse, neglect, violence, etc., especially in childhood, leading to vulnerabilities to initiate drug use. 11.

How does recovery help with addiction?

The recovery process from drug or alcohol addiction often involves a person making a significant change (s) to improve their quality of life, including overall health and wellness. It can also help teach people to feel empowered in their lives and reach their full potential.

What is the first stage of addiction?

Stage 1: Precontemplation. During this stage, a person often isn’t aware that their behavior is a problem, or don’t have a strong desire to make a change. If a person is in denial about their substance use or hasn’t yet experienced negative consequences related to their addiction, they may not feel a need to change.

What are the different types of treatment for substance use disorder?

A few types of treatment for people with substance use disorders include: Inpatient – This type of treatment involves living at the facility where you’re receiving treatment.

What is a 12-step recovery program?

Many types of recovery programs—including outpatient, inpatient, and dual diagnosis— use the 12-Step model as an integral part of their treatment approach. In fact, about 73% of drug and alcohol rehabs in a 2016 survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) used 12-step meetings and introduced patients to the philosophy of these programs. 1

What happens after you realize you want to change?

After a person realizes they want to make a change, they typically start to put a plan into action based on what they noticed during the contemplation stage of change . 6 Some of the changes a person may plan for in relation to their recovery from substance misuse could be:

Why is it important to take action?

Taking action is a very important step in the recovery process and one in which it’s important to have support as you make changes. It can feel stressful to change, which is why the support a person receives in drug and alcohol treatment can be so important in continuing the recovery process.

How to manage cravings?

One of the most effective ways to manage your cravings involves making a concerted effort to avoid the people, environments, and scenarios that act as triggers for you . Ideally, you should take the following steps to keep your cravings under control and reduce your triggers:

Definition

  • As defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is a chronic brain disease that affects the brains reward, pleasure, memory, and motivation. Like many chronic diseases, it does not just spring up one day. Often, several circumstances line up that, over time, cause a person who would otherwise enjoy casual drinking or avoid subst...
See more on americanaddictioncenters.org

Prognosis

  • The multiple stages of addiction can occur over a short period of time, or they can take months or even years to develop. A person who has only occasionally had a casual drink may, over years, develop a habit that can turn to alcoholism.
See more on americanaddictioncenters.org

Causes

  • Sometimes, these stages may occur simultaneously. As an example, for illicit substances used to feel a high, even one use is considered to be abuse. Some of these illicit substances can also result in tolerance within one or two uses. Nevertheless, in the majority of cases, all of these steps are part of the chronic cycle of addiction. There are many reasons that the individual who ends u…
See more on americanaddictioncenters.org

Effects

  • When a person has been using a prescription drug or abusing other substances over a long period of time, the substance can cause changes in the brain that result in tolerance a condition described by Merck Manuals as one in which the original dosage or use of the substance no longer produces the same physical or mental effect. As a result, the person using the substance …
See more on americanaddictioncenters.org

Overview

  • Addiction is a specific, chronic mental health disorder that results in defined symptoms and behaviors that can be used to diagnose the condition. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), as described by Psych Central, the 11 signs and symptoms of substance use disorders like addiction include:
See more on americanaddictioncenters.org

Diagnosis

  • In general, experiencing 2-3 of these symptoms is considered a mild substance use disorder. Reporting 4-5 of them leads to diagnosis of a moderate disorder. If the person is experiencing 6 or more of the symptoms, it is considered to indicate a severe substance use disorder, or addiction.
See more on americanaddictioncenters.org

Prevention

  • An individual may go through multiple attempts to stop using a substance before realizing that addiction is a factor. However, when addiction is diagnosed, it is possible to interrupt this cycle of addiction, abstinence, and relapse by getting professional treatment that is backed by research showing its ability to help. Multiple methods, including cognitive and behavioral therapies, peer g…
See more on americanaddictioncenters.org

Purpose

  • As with the medications and therapies used to treat asthma and diabetes, the treatments in addiction rehab are designed to help the person learn to manage a chronic substance use disorder and reduce the likelihood of relapse to drug use. With motivation and experienced, certified help, these individuals can learn to interrupt the addiction cycle and move forward into t…
See more on americanaddictioncenters.org