Assessment and treatment options for substance abuse and dependence Essay

Assessment and treatment options for substance abuse and dependence clients - Essay Example Alcohol and chemical abuse, for example, have been estimated to co-occur in one third of the psychiatric disturbances presented in therapy (Doweiko, 2006). Doweiko cautioned that mental health practitioners need to be cognizant of individuals presenting with concurrent diagnoses. Students do experience crises in their lives and the extent to which they seek counseling services will be determined by their knowledge of the existence and purpose of such services, their belief in the competence of such services, and their assurance of mutual confidentiality. Such efforts are possible only through extensive outreach and public relations activities and programs, and through counselors' reputation of being concerned, effective professionals. There appears to be less stigma attached to counseling now than has been the case in past decades. The shift from traditional to modern culture may be seen as one reason for this change (Axelson, 1993). Traditional culture (before the Industrial Revolution) emphasized personal direction through collaborative family bonds, whereas modern culture focuses on individual improvement minus family attachment.