Problem: How would you respond to this post using the bible and the following reference?
Professor Glass
May 26, 2023
Due to the different elements that impact the accuracy and reliability of the evaluation, assessing and diagnosing substance misuse may be challenging. Professionals involved in drug misuse counseling and treatment must understand these variables. This section will go through some aspects that complicate the evaluation and diagnosis of substance dependence, using material from the video resources and the class reading (Stevens & Smith, 2018). One of the most challenging aspects of assessing and diagnosing substance misuse is the individual's denial or concealment of substance usage. People who struggle with drug misuse may try to conceal their addiction for various reasons, including fear of judgment, legal penalties, or social shame. Individuals may underreport their substance use, diminishing its severity or denying it entirely, which might impede practical evaluation. Denial can be a protective strategy that keeps an individual's self-image intact while preventing them from acknowledging the need for therapy.
Cultural and social factors are essential in evaluating and diagnosing drug misuse. Different cultures have different standards and attitudes around substance use, which might impact how a person perceives their behavior. Individuals' willingness to admit substance use, seek help, or follow treatment recommendations may be influenced by cultural variations. Furthermore, social variables such as family dynamics, peer influence, and socioeconomic position can all affect substance misuse behaviors and treatment results. Understanding the individual's cultural and social environment is critical for accurately evaluating and formulating appropriate treatment programs (Satre, 2018). The selection of assessment instruments and the possible biases of the experts administering them can complicate the evaluation process. Numerous standardized assessment methods are available to measure substance abuse, such as the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI) or the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). However, these measures may need to reflect the complexities of substance misuse in many circumstances adequately. Substance abuse evaluation and diagnosis are multidimensional procedures impacted by factors such as denial and concealment, co-occurring mental health illnesses, cultural and societal factors, assessment instrument selection, and professional biases (Stevens, 2019). These aspects emphasize the importance of complete evaluations that consider the individual's specific circumstances and address the complexities of drug misuse. Professionals in substance addiction counseling can increase assessment accuracy and deliver more effective treatment treatments by recognizing and addressing these issues.
References:
Satre, D. D., Bahorik, A., Zaman, T., Galvan, E., & Ramo, D. E. (2018). Psychiatric disorders and drug use among newly homeless young adults. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 188, 111-119. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.03.024
Stevens, P. W., & Smith, R. L. (2018). Substance Use Counseling: Theory and Practice (6th ed.). Pearson. Retrieved May 26, 2023