| How is a substance abuse evaluation done? If you | | | | How is a substance abuse evaluation done when a |
| have ever wondered whether or not there is a | | | | professional uses the MAST method? Interestingly, |
| method to this sort of test, the following article will | | | | studies have shown that white females simply do not |
| shed a lot of light on the subject. | | | | respond all that well to the CAGE method, which has |
| Essentially, counselors and doctors know whether or | | | | prompted researches to devise the MAST method. |
| not a person has been abusing a particular matter | | | | The first MAST question is: have you ever had a |
| from the start. Still, in order to recommend someone | | | | drinking problem? The second question is: when was |
| for clinical treatment, professionals must be able to | | | | your last drink? For some reason, white females |
| determine whether or not a person is truly addicted. | | | | seem to respond better to these questions than to |
| So, how is a substance abuse evaluation done? Most | | | | any other method. |
| professionals use the same method in order to find | | | | There are many other methods used in order to |
| out. The type of test given to a person that is | | | | determine someone's abuse level, and many of them |
| suspected of addictive behavior is called a "CAGE" | | | | are targeted specifically for one group or another. As |
| test, and this type of test is a lot trickier than you | | | | it turns out, those that are within certain cultural |
| may think. | | | | groups respond differently to varying questions. Even |
| Upon first glance, the CAGE test doesn't really | | | | if a person that has an addiction knows about these |
| appear all that insightful or intrusive. However, | | | | methods before going in to see a professional, |
| someone that is highly trained will look for certain | | | | counselors and doctors know when a person is telling |
| responses to the follow questions. C: Has anyone | | | | the truth. |
| ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking? A: | | | | Now that you know the answer to the original |
| Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking? | | | | question (how is a substance abuse evaluation |
| G: Have you ever felt Guilty about your drinking? E: | | | | done?), you may be able to ask yourself these |
| Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning | | | | questions if you are have any concerns. However, it |
| (Eye-opener) to steady your nerves or to get rid of | | | | is not recommended that you try these questions on |
| a hangover? If a patient response positively to one | | | | any one that you suspect of having an abuse |
| or more of these questions, they are likely to have | | | | problem. Instead, try and get them to see a |
| an abuse issue. | | | | professional for best results. |