Last Updated on January 31, 2017 by Morris Green

The 12 core functions of alcohol and drug abuse counseling create the blueprint all substance use professionals follow. It’s a proven guide because this step-by-step process has shown the best results in starting and managing a successful client + counselor relationship. The first of the 12 core functions is screening, and we’re going to dig into just what it is and involves.

The Definition and Outline of Screening

Is everyone who drinks alcohol an alcoholic? Of course not, but we all have the potential to become one. The risks of drinking too much alcohol, using a prescription opiate not prescribed for you, or using marijuana are constant. The outcome of such actions is subjective and unique to each individual. Not everyone who is screened for a substance issue is in need of treatment because not everyone has an abuse, misuse, or addiction problem.

Screening is used to determine what (if any) program is appropriate for a client. It determines eligibility, and it’s dependent on five criteria:

1. The presence of physical, psychological, and social signs and symptoms of alcohol or drug abuse.
2. The identification of any co-existing conditions that warrant additional assessment or services.
3. The client’s appropriateness for admission or referral.
4. The client’s eligibility for admissions or referral.
5. Adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.

Why Is Screening Requested?

The reasons for undergoing a substance use screening is almost as diverse and numerous as the amount of clients you will counsel. Some will have needs within your scope of practice while others will only complete the screening as a formality to solidify the fact that they don’t have a substance-related issue. A few of the reasons screenings are ordered include:

• Child custody cases
• Job-related needs
• Legal issues
• Court order

The Importance of Substance Abuse Screenings

As a counselor, it will be your duty to consider a variety of factors before determining whether a potential client is a suitable fit for a program or service. Screening is similar to a professional diagnosis; the outcome directly affects the next step and the future course of action. It will be your responsibility to describe the criteria used in screening and demonstrate your competence by presenting specific examples of how substance use has led to a client’s dysfunction.

Ethics are a huge part of screening because, without them, no substance abuse counselor could ever make a proper and professional judgment. Your professional opinion, skill, and the program’s specific criteria will guide the determination of each potential client’s appropriateness for a program. While some criteria will be easy to ascertain, others will be more difficult. Some of the things you’ll consider will include a person’s:

• Demographics, such as age, gender, place of residence, and income level
• Status, such as legal or veteran
• Referral source, such as legal, medical, or self

If a person is found ineligible for your services, it will be your task to provide a viable alternative. But why is screening such an important function? Because it lays the groundwork for a person’s entire care processes.

In our next 12 Core Ed installment, we’ll explain how screening is used during the intake process , the second core function. Give us a like on Facebook, so you don’t miss it!