Possibilities and Limits in Psychological Assessment of Individuals with Substance Use Disorders

The consumption and use of psychoactive substances (PS) is a phenomenon present in most cultures and civilizations. The complexity of this phenomenon requires various readings, which is why there is no self-sufficient approach so far. Thus, this chapter discusses the conduct of psychological assessment (PA) in individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). PA is a scientific technical process used to understand the mental functioning of people or groups in order to assist in decision-making, differential diagnosis, prognosis, and the choice of effective interventions for treatment. Thus, PA can provide interesting and beneficial reading for this target audience. The objective of this chapter is to present the reader with the possibilities and limits of PA. Fundamental concepts related to drug use, diagnostic criteria for the establishment of SUD, and various factors associated with the harmful use of psychoactive substances will be discussed throughout this chapter. Finally, the PA process is presented in this audience and ends with some problematizations about PA as a theoretical and practical field in Brazil.