Substance Abuse - Client's Strengths & Needs
Ontario addiction agencies funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care now assess the following seven areas of strength and need when developing a treatment plan. Clients are assessed using standardized assessment tools to measure the strengths and needs listed below. A treatment plan is created with the full participation of the client that is based on strengths.
| 1 | Acute Intoxication and Withdrawal Needs: The client's ability to function related to use of and withdrawal from substances. |
| 2 | Medical/Psychiatric Needs: Any signs or symptoms of medical/psychiatric problems. |
| 3 | Emotional/Behavioural Needs: The client's ability to function in terms of life skills, problem solving, coping skills and self-management. |
| 4 | Treatment Readiness: The client's readiness to change their substance use or other aspects of his/her life. |
| 5 | Relapse Potential: The client's potential to resume substance use (if the client is abstinent) or to relapse from agreed upon treatment goals. |
| 6 | Recovery Environmental Supports: The level of support and safety available to the client in their life. |
| 7 | Barriers and Resources: The barriers/commitments that may prevent a client from participating in treatment, and the resources the client has or needs to be able to attend scheduled treatment. |
