During assessment, what does the term collateral contacts refer to?

Collateral contacts refer to the practice of obtaining information from individuals other than the primary client to gain a comprehensive understanding of the client’s situation. This often includes reaching out to family members, friends, and treatment providers to gather additional insights about the person's behavior, circumstances, and history related to their alcohol or drug use.

By including all these sources—family, friends, and treatment providers—in the assessment process, a clinician can build a more accurate and nuanced picture of the client's challenges and support system. Each of these groups can offer different perspectives and valuable information that contribute to identifying the needs and potential treatment pathways for the client. Thus, recognizing the importance of all potential collateral contacts enhances the assessment's effectiveness in alcohol and drug abuse contexts.