What does an assessment typically not include in substance use disorder treatment?

In substance use disorder treatment, assessments focus primarily on understanding the individual's health status, history of treatment, and their personal values and beliefs, as these factors play a crucial role in developing an effective treatment plan. Current health status informs the clinician about any physical or mental health issues that may impact treatment, while past treatment history provides insight into what has been effective or ineffective for the individual. Personal values and beliefs are important to consider as they can significantly influence a person's motivation and engagement in the recovery process.

Group therapy dynamics, on the other hand, are usually assessed during the course of treatment rather than as part of the initial assessment. While understanding how a patient interacts within group settings can be valuable, this analysis typically emerges after the therapeutic relationship has begun and not at the initial assessment stage. Therefore, group therapy dynamics are not a standard component included in initial assessments aimed at building a comprehensive understanding of the individual's needs and circumstances related to their substance use.