How are substance and addictive disorders evaluated?

How are substance and addictive disorders evaluated?

addictive disorders evaluated

Substance use disorder (SUD) is complex a condition within which there’s the uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences. People with SUD have an intense specialize in employing a particular sense (s) like alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs, to the purpose where the person’s ability to function in day to day life becomes impaired.

People keep using the substance even after they are aware that it is causing or will cause problems. The foremost severe SUDs are sometimes called addictions. However, effective treatments for substance use disorders are available. Therefore, it is crucial to do timely Substance and Addictive Disorders Evaluations.

The first step is recognition of the matter. The recovery process is delayed when an individual lacks awareness of problematic substance use.

A medical professional should properly assess symptoms to spot if a substance use disorder is present. All patients can benefit from treatment, no matter whether the condition is mild, moderate, or severe. Unfortunately, many folks who meet the criteria for a substance use disorder and get pleasure from treatment don’t receive help.

Because SUDs affect many aspects of a person’s life, multiple styles of treatment are often required. For most, a mixture of medication and individual or group psychotherapy is the handiest.

Treatment approaches that address an individual’s specific situation and any co-occurring medical, psychiatric, and social problems is perfect for resulting in sustained recovery.

In addition, psychotherapy can help individuals with SUD better understand their behaviour and motivations, develop higher self-esteem, deal with stress, and address other psychiatric problems.

A person’s recovery plan is exclusive to the person’s specific needs and should include strategies outside of formal treatment. These may include:

  • Hospitalization for medical withdrawal management (detoxification)
  • Outpatient medication management and psychotherapy
  • Intensive outpatient programs
  • Residential treatment (“rehab”)
  • Self-help groups that include members of the family (Al-Anon or Nar-Anon Family Groups)
  • 13 principles of effective dependency treatment

The 13 principles of effective dependence treatment were developed supported three decades of the research project.

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About the Author

Jacques Khorozian

Jacques Khorozian,

Ph.D., LPC, NBCC, MAC, SAP, CCS

Jacques Khorozian, Ph.D., LPC, MAC, SAP, CCS, is an experienced behavioral health professional with over 30 years of work in the criminal justice system, specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatment. He serves as Chief Executive Officer of American Alternative Court Services (AACS) in Atlanta, where he conducts diagnostic and biopsychosocial assessments and develops treatment and diversion programs.

He collaborates with justice system stakeholders to improve access to behavioral health services and alternative sentencing solutions. Dr. Khorozian previously worked as a Behavioral Health Social Worker with the Fulton County Public Defender's Office, where he assessed client needs and coordinated services.

He also held a leadership role as Division Chief with the San Francisco Superior Court, managing operations and contributing to strategic initiatives. He holds a Ph.D. in Positive Psychology, a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology.

His professional memberships include the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Positive Psychology Association (AMPPA), the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCA), the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), and the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia (ADACBGA).

Dr. Khorozian has advanced certifications as a Certified Clinical Supervisor, Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), Family Violence Intervention Specialist, and DUI Evaluator. He is recognized for his expertise in counseling techniques, assessment, diagnosis, and culturally responsive care. His work focuses on improving population health outcomes through evidence-based behavioral health programs.


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