A quick check to see if someone might have a substance or mental health problem.
In the context of addiction treatment:
Often done in ERs, primary care, schools, and workplaces with brief questionnaires or simple questions.
What to know:
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Screening is not a full assessment—it’s a filter to see who needs deeper evaluation.
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Honest answers help catch issues early before they escalate.
Example:
A primary-care doctor uses a short alcohol screening tool and then refers the patient for a full assessment after a concerning score.