Diagnosis and Treatment of Substance Use

How has Research Shaped Diagnosis and Treatment of Substance Use and Other Related Addictive Disorders?

For this week’s assignment, examine how research helped to better diagnose substance use and other related addictive disorders by addressing the following:

Describe research influences on the current diagnostic DSM-5 Substance Use and Other Addictive Disorders criteria.
Explain how the current criteria are more efficient in developing a diagnosis.
Determine if individuals only diagnosed with Gambling Disorder should be treated in substance use disorder treatment programs.
Support your opinion with critical thinking and appropriate sources.
Full Answer Section
How the Current Criteria are More Efficient in Developing a Diagnosis The DSM-5 criteria for substance use and other addictive disorders are more efficient in developing a diagnosis in a number of ways. First, the criteria are more specific. This means that it is less likely that someone will be misdiagnosed with a substance use or addictive disorder. Second, the criteria are more evidence-based. This means that they are based on a better understanding of the underlying causes of these disorders. Third, the criteria are more consistent with current clinical practice. This means that they are more likely to be used by clinicians in the real world. Should Individuals Only Diagnosed with Gambling Disorder be Treated in Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs? The question of whether individuals only diagnosed with gambling disorder should be treated in substance use disorder treatment programs is a complex one. There are a number of factors to consider, including the severity of the gambling disorder, the presence of other co-occurring disorders, and the individual's treatment preferences. Some experts believe that individuals only diagnosed with gambling disorder should be treated in substance use disorder treatment programs. They argue that these programs can provide the individual with the support and resources they need to overcome their gambling problem. Others believe that individuals only diagnosed with gambling disorder should be treated in specialized gambling disorder treatment programs. They argue that these programs can provide the individual with the specific treatment they need to address their gambling problem. Ultimately, the decision of whether to treat an individual with gambling disorder in a substance use disorder treatment program or a specialized gambling disorder treatment program is a clinical one. The best approach will vary depending on the individual's specific circumstances. Supporting Opinion with Critical Thinking and Appropriate Sources I believe that individuals only diagnosed with gambling disorder should be treated in substance use disorder treatment programs. This is because these programs can provide the individual with the support and resources they need to overcome their gambling problem. Additionally, these programs can help the individual to address any other co-occurring disorders they may have. There is some evidence to support this view. A study published in the Journal of Gambling Studies found that individuals who were treated in a substance use disorder treatment program were more likely to achieve abstinence from gambling than those who were treated in a specialized gambling disorder treatment program. Of course, there are also some arguments in favor of treating individuals only diagnosed with gambling disorder in specialized gambling disorder treatment programs. These programs can provide the individual with the specific treatment they need to address their gambling problem. Additionally, these programs may be more comfortable for individuals who are only interested in getting help for their gambling problem. Ultimately, the decision of whether to treat an individual with gambling disorder in a substance use disorder treatment program or a specialized gambling disorder treatment program is a clinical one. The best approach will vary depending on the individual's specific circumstances.
Sample Answer The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the standard reference for the diagnosis of mental disorders in the United States. The DSM-5, the most recent edition of the DSM, was published in 2013. The DSM-5 criteria for substance use and other addictive disorders were developed based on a number of research studies. These studies included:
  • Epidemiological studies: These studies looked at the prevalence of substance use and other addictive disorders in the population.
  • Genetic studies: These studies looked at the role of genetics in substance use and other addictive disorders.
  • Neuroimaging studies: These studies looked at the changes in the brain that occur in people with substance use and other addictive disorders.
  • Clinical studies: These studies looked at the effectiveness of different treatments for substance use and other addictive disorders.
The research studies that informed the development of the DSM-5 criteria for substance use and other addictive disorders helped to improve the accuracy and reliability of the diagnosis. The criteria are now more specific and are based on a better understanding of the underlying causes of these disorders.