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The person with an Alcohol or Drug Problem
Every client offered an appointment is seen initially for an Initial
Assessment, or what is also referred to as a Diagnostic Interview.
This is the first and most important intervention with which the
client is engages. The purpose of this is to get the client to evaluate
whether he has an addiction problem or not, as the case may be.
During the interview, essential personal information is gathered,
together with details of the clients personal, family and social
and health (both physical and psychological) history.
As to the history of alcohol and / or drug use, a number of searching
diagnostic questions are asked of the client - it is emphasised
right from the start that the whole interview is conducted on a
strictly confidential basis (with very limited exceptions). Three
phases of symptomatic use are explored - prodromal, basic and chronic
- by skilfully asking questions as to 31 separate indicators, together
with 16 Loss of Control Indicators. Use is also made of the Jellinek
Chart of Chemical Dependency. The interview is, therefore a very
exhaustive and comprehensive assessment and is the main spring-board
for further interaction and treatment where there is an addiction
problem. Of course, besides alcohol and drug problems, other issues
relating to addiction may be indicated, such as eating disorders
and gambling.
Family Assessments
In addition, we also assess Family members of the alcoholic or
addict, such as partners, parents, siblings. These Family Assessments
look primarily at the coping mechanisms - effective or not - of
the family member. Our philosophy here at WGCADA sees that the family
member is badly affected and becomes ill in his or her own right
as the result of addiction in the family system.
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