Student Training
The goal of screening is to quickly and efficiently identify patients who may require further assessment or treatment for alcohol and substance use disorders. Screening does not definitively establish diagnosis or treatment needs. In a medical setting, screening typically involves at least two components: biomarkers and patient report. Biomarkers can include a positive drug screen (e.g., urine) or physical indications of possible substance abuse. Patient reports are based on structured or semi-structured questionnaires administered by interview, paper and pencil, or computer. Generally, it is recommended that all agencies within the same health care system use the same screener and administer and score them in the same way.