Some SAPs are also trained in other areas such as mental health or social work. This is because addiction is a complex disease that often involves other mental health issues. Some SAPs work as part of a team with other professionals such as medical doctors, social workers, psychologists, therapists, and nurses.

The first step in this process is to identify the substance abuse problem. This can be done by taking a look at the individual's history of alcohol and drug use, psychiatric status, and social functioning. The second step in this process is to evaluate whether or not the individual meets the criteria for addiction.

The assessment will include questions about how often they drink or use drugs, what they drink or use drugs with, and their thoughts on quitting. The third step in this process is to assess whether or not there are any co-occurring mental health problems that need to be addressed during treatment.