Alcohol Use Disorders: A Social Worker's Guide to Clinical Assessment

ABSTRACT

Alcohol use disorders are primarily characterized by excessive consumption of alcohol and the behavioral, cognitive, and psychosocial problems associated with problem drinking. Although social workers are routinely involved in the treatment of people with problems related to alcohol, there is limited literature in professional social work concerning practical assessment instruments that social workers may use to guide effective practice. This article reviews a number of empirically supported instruments for the diagnosis and assessment of alcohol dependence and abuse in social work practice settings.

KEYWORDS:

• Alcohol use disorders
• assessment instruments
• alcohol screening
• social work