Alcohol Dependence and Abuse - AssessmentIf you or someone you know has alcohol dependence and develops severe confusion, seizures, bleeding, or other health problems seek professional medical attention.
All health professionals should routinely ask their patients about their drinking habits. They should get a history from the family if the affected person is unwilling or unable to answer questions and whenever possible a physical examination should be done to identify physical problems related to alcohol use.
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects. The most serious is fetal alcohol syndrome, which may lead to mental retardation and behavior problems. A milder form of the condition that can still cause lifelong problems is called fetal alcohol affects. Alcohol dependence and abuse can be assessed using one or more of the following assessments:
• A Mind Screen – multi-disorder behavioral health assessment which includes questions around current and past alcohol and other drug (AOD) habits as well as family AOD history. |