Standardized screening measures for alcohol and other drug problems : completion rates and impact on treatment motivation

Screening is a recognized way of identifying potential alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues, but little is known about client and clinician experiences of screening and its impact on motivation for further treatment. Data was collected from 98 clients across five Victorian AOD services, who completed a standardized screening instrument, including measures of desire for help and treatment readiness before and after screening. Rates of completion of standardized screening instruments were higher for client self-complete components as compared to clinician-administered screens. Screening had no adverse effect on clients' desire for help or treatment readiness, and although nonsignificant, there was a slight increase in clients' desire for help following screening. These findings suggest that a battery of standardized screening instruments is acceptable to clients.