What is a Drug and Alcohol Assessment?
A drug and alcohol assessment, also known as a substance abuse assessment or substance abuse evaluation, helps identify the extent of someone’s use, misuse, and abuse of drugs or alcohol. It can also help in determining how best to treat the individual for his or her substance abuse or addiction. Assessments are often used by employers, judges, attorneys, families, and others when substance abuse is suspected. Sometimes, an assessment is needed as the result of legal issues (like a drug or alcohol related arrest or conviction, driver’s license suspension, etc.), while other times, it may be used because concerned family and friends want their loved one to seek help for substance abuse problems. Regardless, a drug or alcohol assessment can be a critical first step toward recovery. Even though it might seem like an assessment could get you into more trouble, that’s not the case. Not only is it the beginning of what could be a positive change process, but it may benefit you legally as well. Taking a test preemptively could demonstrate that you are willing to cooperate with authorities and others.
How Does the Drug and Alcohol Assessment Process Work?
The assessment gathers information various aspects of the individual’s life including medical, psychological, and social histories. The information is collected by a licensed mental health practitioner using interviewing and diagnostic screening tools. The client will take a urinalysis test and Breathalyzer exam at the time of the assessment. The session usually takes less than two hours. It is important to bring any pertinent legal documents (e.g., arrest reports, criminal history reports, driving history reports, etc.).
Once gathered, the information is analyzed to help develop a clear picture of the client’s potential substance abuse issues. It’s important to have this information and analysis to make the best recommendation for treatment options, if warranted. Determining whether an individual needs outpatient or inpatient addiction treatment relies heavily on the results of the assessment.
What Will I Receive after the Assessment?
Once the assessment is complete, the client or referral source will receive a letter detailing the assessment process, the evaluation tools used, results of urinalysis and Breathalyzer testing, relevant diagnoses if warranted, and any recommendations for inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment. The letter is written and signed by the licensed clinician who performed the evaluation.
Coral Bay Recovery is licensed through the Florida Department of Children and Families and all our clinicians meet Florida state requirements for licensure to diagnose and treat substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. If you are looking for a Florida state licensed DUI program, click here.
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