Cultural Differences In Assessment And Treatment Essay

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Assessment and treatments vary, and there are many outside influences that shape each process. One aspect that will be identified and explored will be the impact that culture has upon each. Questions explored will help understand how differences in culture can sometimes return varying degrees of either success or failure. Latino culture has its own defining characteristics and a very distinct set of values which have to be taken into consideration when trying to asses and treat alcohol or substance abuse.
The Role of Culture in Assessment and Treatment
There are many questions that require answers when exploring the reasons behind, or the circumstances surrounding a person with a AUD. One tool that aids in answering questions and connecting people with the proper resources is an assessment. A good assessment is critical to the process of helping individuals past the initial awkwardness of actually seeking professional help with an addiction. Assessments can cover a wide range of topics, such as gathering history related to prior substance abuse, medical, psychiatric, any pending legal issues, and family developmental issues. One aspect that assessors can gather much information from is the impact of social influences. Understanding social influences and more specifically, cultural …show more content…

At the onset of the assessment process, it was made clear that this was going to be a thorough undertaking. The client received, acknowledged his understanding of, and signed a release of information agreement. The client was made to understand that every bit of information gathered could have some relevance to the final assessment outcome. “Every assessment process is more than just a one-time paperwork procedure conducted at the onset of treatment to simply gather facts and secure a …diagnosis” (Juhnke, 2002). The following is an example of a test conducted to help establish baseline data.
1. Standardized testing.
a. Alcohol Use Disorders Inventory

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