Instruments used for evaluation in substance use disorder: a systematic review

ABSTRACT

Background and Aims

Psychoactive substance use is a psychiatric disorder that has warranted significant attention from governmental authorities and leadership, due to its political and socioeconomic consequences, as well as its repercussions on the health of individuals. In fact, substance-related disorders are highly prevalent, with possible treatment strategies being Therapeutic Communities. The present systematic review intends to summarize the most used instruments to evaluate substance use disorder.

Methods

Studies on this issue were retrieved from various databases, namely EBSCO, PubMed, and Web of Science, using meticulous exclusion and inclusion criteria.

Results and conclusion

The concern with using other instruments that address the potential risks of mental health allowed the identification of comorbidities and the creation of more complete interventions, not limited to the use and type of substances. We know that a holistic intervention enhances a long-term recovery with fewer relapses. It is paramount that there be a brief and valid tool that organizations and researchers can use to assess the implementation climate for evidence-based practices in the context of substance use treatment, which has generally exhibited a broad gap between research and practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Therapeutic communities
• instruments
• assessment
• substance use disorders
• dependency

Author Notes

Diana Moreira, Centro de Solidariedade de Braga/Projecto Homem, University Fernando Pessoa, Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, and Institute of Psychology and Neuropsychology of Porto – IPNP Health (Portugal). Andreia Azeredo, Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto (Portugal). Paulo Dias, Centro de Solidariedade de Braga/Projecto Homem and Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences, Centre for Philosophical and Humanistic Studies (Portugal).

The authors do not have any interests that might be interpreted as influencing the research. The study was conducted according to APA ethical standards.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.