Neuropsychological Assessment in Substance Abuse Treatment—Focusing on the Effects of Substances and on Neuropsychological Assessment as a Collaborative Process

Abstract

Substance abuse is connected to considerable suffering and symptoms. Neuropsychological assessment supports understanding of the distress and the symptoms of the individual client and therefore is increasingly requested in substance abuse treatment. Substances, however, influence neuropsychological functions and emotional states. Therefore, assessment often needs to be postponed. Conducted at a suitable point of time, with respect to abstinence and treatment planning, assessment might provide understanding of the needs and possibilities of the client. This work contributes with suggestions on how neuropsychological assessment might be conducted in substance abuse treatment. Because the effects of substances are considerable, an overview of the effects of varying substances on neuropsychological functioning is presented. It is also suggested that assessment should be understood as a collaborative process that should support clients’ understanding of themselves.

KEYWORDS:

• neuropsychology
• assessment
• collaborative
• substance abuse
• treatment planning

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elisabeth H. Punzi

Elisabeth H. Punzi is a Ph.D. and a licensed psychologist, specializing in addiction treatment. She works in treatment units in which social work and psychiatric treatment are integrated.