Diagnosing Drug Addiction

About Diagnosing Drug Addiction

Diagnosing a drug addiction requires evaluation by a medical or mental health professional. A thorough diagnosis often includes assessment by multiple professionals, such as a general practitioner, psychiatrist, and psychologist. In addition, individuals should undergo evaluation and testing for drug addiction and other conditions that could provide to or affect the addiction, such as medical conditions and mental health disorders.

In a formal addiction treatment program, the diagnostic process often takes place during the initial assessment. After that assessment, which may involve medical tests in addition to an interview with the client, initial diagnoses may be made. These diagnoses may be fine-tuned as the treatment process begins.

The Steps To Diagnosing Drug Addiction

Before enrolling in a treatment program, an individual may go through the following steps in the diagnostic process.

Step 1: Visit A General Practitioner Or Medical Professionals

A doctor will assess general health and perform tests to evaluate drug use. Blood or urine tests can establish levels of illicit substances within the body and provide an accurate view of how much drug use is occurring. Medical tests cannot diagnose an addiction; however, they establish drug use. Other blood tests may be performed to check for co-occurring diseases.

Step 2: Visit A Mental Health Professional

A psychiatrist – a medical doctor, specializing in mental health – or a psychologist can diagnose a substance use disorder. A mental health professional will typically begin an evaluation by discussing what substances are being used and at what frequency and dosages. Most mental health professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to diagnose addiction and other mental conditions. Here are the lists of the following DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorders:

At least two of these criteria must occur within 12 months for a substance use disorder to be diagnosed. DSM-5 includes various diagnoses for substance use disorders, which organize addictive substances into six categories. SAMHSA lists the following substance use disorders as being included in DSM-5[1]:

Addiction can often be diagnosed through an informal conversation with a mental health professional. The professional can gather needed information and establish if the person is suffering from a disorder. Sometimes, a more formal assessment is required, and the psychiatrist or psychologist will use a clinical assessment tool.

Step 3: Undergo A Formal Assessment

Various assessment instruments can be used to diagnose a substance use disorder. These instruments are often lists of questions the interviewer will ask to determine if the person has a substance use disorder or what kind of disorder is present. The following is a list of common substance use disorder assessments[2]:

Which assessment the mental health professional uses depends on the professional’s level of training and provides the most accurate picture of the specific client’s mental health and drug use. Regardless of what type of assessment is administered, the mental health professional will use the answers to establish whether or not the client meets the criteria for a substance use disorder.

According to SAMHSA[3], medications are most often used to treat alcohol, tobacco, and opioid dependence. Therefore, treatment must address the addiction and any co-occurring physical or mental health disorders.

Coping And Support

Overcoming an addiction and staying drug-free require a persistent effort. Learning new coping skills and knowing where to find help is essential. Taking these actions can help:

• See A Licensed Therapist Or Licensed Drug And Alcohol Counselor: Drug addiction is linked to several problems that may be helped with therapy or counseling, including other underlying mental health concerns or marriage or family problems. Seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed counselor may help you regain your peace of mind and mend your relationships.

• Seek Treatment For Other Mental Health Disorders: People with other mental health problems, such as depression, are more likely to become addicted to drugs. Seek immediate treatment from a qualified mental health professional if you have any signs or symptoms of mental health problems.

• Join A Support Group: Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous, can effectively cope with addiction. Compassion, understanding, and shared experiences can help you break your addiction and stay drug-free.

Preparing For Your Appointment For Diagnosing Drug Addiction

It may help to get an independent perspective from someone you trust and who knows you well. You can start by discussing your substance use with your primary doctor or ask for a referral to a specialist in drug addiction, such as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor or a psychiatrist or psychologist. Take a relative or friend along.

Drug Addiction Treatment

Although there’s no cure for drug addiction, the treatment options explained below can help you overcome an addiction and stay drug-free. Your treatment depends on the drug used and any related medical or mental health disorders you may have. Long-term follow-up is essential to prevent relapse.

At We Level Up Treatment Center provides world-class care with round-the-clock medical professionals available to help you cope. In addition, we work as an integrated team providing information about diagnosing drug addiction. Make this your opportunity to reclaim your life. Call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our specialists know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

Your call is private and confidential, and there is never any obligation.