USA doctors use alcohol abuse screening to determine if patients need professional treatment from alcohol abuse. It also evaluates whether you have alcohol use disorder or you abuse alcohol.
It can be difficult for people to accept their alcoholic problems, including whether their drinking behaviors have become troublesome to require professional treatment.
However, alcohol abuse screening is an effective method of assessing the level of drinking and the alcohol abuse risks that you carry.
A rehab professional may gather information through questions to check the alcohol abuse effects, including its signs and symptoms. Additional questions asked include your mental and physical health and mood, including inquiring about the amount and period you drink.
The most popular tools used for alcohol abuse screening include:
- Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT): This test is one of the most widely used and most accurate-multiple questions screening tool in America. It uses an interview set up to gather information about an individual’s drinking behaviors.
- CAGE Test:It consists of a four-question test that is not nearly inclusive, but it can show whether it is necessary to perform another test such as the AUDIT.
- T-ACE test:It consists of three questions from the CAGE test, which is more accurate in diagnosing the extent of a person’s drinking.
Additional tests include the RAPS4, MAST, FAST, SAAST, and Paddington Alcohol test.
All these tests may also be used depending on an addict’s age or the screening tool a specific doctor may prefer.
Besides, it is crucial to follow up with your doctor, who understands your drinking patterns. It ensures you receive the best treatment recommendations.
While the above three screenings depend on an individual to express the truth about their alcoholic behaviors, they are also useful tools to learn more about their drinking habits.
Alcohol abuse screening can show the following results:
- Alcohol tolerance
- Addiction issues
- Alcohol dependency
- Risks of alcohol addiction
- Whether your addictive problems require professional treatment
The following are a few questions your doctor may ask you during an alcohol abuse screening:
- How frequently do you drink?
- How many drinks do you take per sitting?
- Have you ever been compelled to decrease your drink intake
- Has your family members or colleagues ever talked about your drinking habits and asked you to quit drinking?
The type of questions you can expect from an alcohol abuse screening depends on the test used.
Final Thoughts from the Recover
The most accurate method of getting alcohol abuse screening is visiting a professional rehab therapist or a primary care provider. An excellent therapist or doctor will ensure they educate you regarding your risk of developing alcohol disorder.
Additionally, it is crucial to express an honest discussion about your drinking habits with your health provider. Doing so ensures your provider will direct excellent treatment resources customized for your personal needs.
Besides, if you test positive for alcohol abuse, a health provider will recommend some form of treatment.
If a person fails to treat alcohol abuse at an early stage, it can result in severe addiction, health consequences, alcohol dependency, and body organ issues.
Also, ensure to check the best rehab centers near you since they have different alcohol treatment services customized to address your needs.
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