Biomarkers in treatment are used primarily to identify what?

Biomarkers in treatment play a crucial role in identifying the potential for relapse in individuals undergoing recovery from substance use disorders. These biological indicators can include various physiological and biochemical measurements that provide insights into how a person is responding to treatment and gauge their risk of returning to substance use. By analyzing these biomarkers, counselors and healthcare providers can tailor interventions more effectively, monitor progress, and potentially adjust treatment plans to minimize the risk of relapse. This application supports the overall goal of enhancing recovery outcomes and ensuring that clients have the best chance for sustained sobriety.

In contrast, while substance use patterns might be relevant to understanding an individual's history with drugs or alcohol, they do not focus specifically on relapse potential. Signs of intelligence and career suitability are unrelated to the purpose of biomarkers in the context of substance use treatment and recovery, thereby making those options irrelevant in addressing the main function of biomarkers.