What is the primary purpose of screening in addiction counseling?

What is the primary purpose of screening in addiction counseling?

• A. Identify whether an individual may have a substance use issue or related concerns and determine the appropriate level of care or next steps.
• B. Diagnose a substance use disorder.
• C. Schedule ongoing counseling sessions.
• D. Collect billing and insurance information.

Answer: (A)

Screening is an initial, quick sweep used to flag whether someone might have a substance use issue and to decide the next steps or level of care needed. It’s about identifying risk and guiding referral or further evaluation, not making a formal diagnosis. A brief screen helps determine if a full assessment is warranted to establish diagnosis, treatment plan, and appropriate services. It’s also distinct from administrative tasks like scheduling sessions or collecting billing information, which are separate processes. For example, a brief screen might indicate potential problem use, prompting a comprehensive assessment to determine severity and the appropriate level of care, such as outpatient or more intensive treatment.