Month: December 2022

Alcohol and Drug Addiction

It’s 10 p.m. and you’re driving home from a party. You had a few drinks, but you don’t think you’re over the legal limit. Suddenly, you see flashing lights in your rearview mirror. You pull over, heart racing, and the police officer asks you to step out of the car. He asks if you’ve been drinking and you admit that you have. The officer asks you to perform a field sobriety test, which you fail. He tells you that you’re under arrest for DUI and you will need to complete an alcohol and drug evaluation.

You’re taken to the police station and given a breathalyzer test, which you fail. Finding yourself in a situation like this can be terrifying, but luckily there are a number of ways to avoid everyone’s greatest fear: going to jail.  The officer tells you that you will need to complete an alcohol and drug evaluation with a professional clinician. You’re feeling scared and embarrassed, but you know that you need to face the consequences of your actions. During the evaluation, the clinician will ask you about your drinking and drug use habits. They will also ask you about your family history of substance abuse and mental health.

They will want to know if you’ve ever been treated for addiction or mental health issues in the past. The clinician will also ask you about your current situation and why you think you were pulled over. After the evaluation, the clinician will give you a recommendation for treatment. This could include outpatient therapy, inpatient rehab, or a 12-step program. They will also recommend that you attend DUI classes and install an ignition interlock device in your car. If you follow their recommendations, you will be able to get your DUI charges reduced or dismissed.

Making it to and completing an alcohol and drug evaluation sets you up to more than likely undergo a program that will help you avoid jail altogether and in some cases even clean up your record if you find yourself in a good position and use the resources which are being given to you to the greatest benefit that you can.

There are many treatment programs available that don’t require the person to go to jail. These are typically called alternative sentencing or rehabilitation programs. There are a number of different types of rehabilitation programs, but they all share the common goal of helping the person to overcome their addiction and become a productive member of society again.

One type of rehabilitation program is called an inpatient treatment program. This type of program requires the person to live at the facility for the duration of the program. Inpatient treatment programs usually last 30 days, but there are some that can last up to 90 days. During an inpatient treatment program, the person will receive 24-hour care from a team of professionals. The team will work with the person to help them overcome their addiction and to develop a plan to stay sober after they leave the program.

Another type of rehabilitation program is an outpatient treatment program. This type of program allows the person to live at home while they receive treatment. Outpatient treatment programs typically last for 12 weeks. During an outpatient treatment program, the person will meets with a counselor on a weekly basis. The counselor will help the person to identify the triggers that cause them to use drugs or alcohol. The counselor will also help the person to develop a plan to stay sober after they leave the program.

There are also several 12-step programs available which don’t require the person to go to jail. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are two of the most well-known 12-step programs. These programs are based on the premise that addiction is a disease that can be overcome with the help of a higher power. The 12 steps of these programs are designed to help the person to come to terms with their addiction, make amends for the harm they have caused, and develop a plan to stay sober after they leave the program. No matter what type of rehabilitation program you choose, it is important to remember that recovery is a lifelong process. Relapse is a part of recovery, but it doesn’t mean that you have failed. If you do relapse, it is important to get back on track as soon as possible. Rehabilitation programs can give you the tools you need to overcome your addiction and lead a sober life.

In the United States, addiction is often seen as a character flaw or a personal failing. This stigma can make it hard for people suffering from addiction to seek help, because they may feel ashamed or embarrassed.

This stigma is unfair and unfounded. Addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failing. It is a chronic, relapsing disease that affects the brain and body. People with addiction cannot simply stop using drugs or alcohol on their own; they need treatment and support to recover.

Sadly, the stigma around addiction often keeps people from getting the help they need. This needs to change. We need to destigmatize addiction and provide more support for those suffering from this disease.

To know more related to Alcohol and Drug Evaluation Near me visit us now. or to set up one for yourself, be sure to call us at 1-800-683-7745 or visit us at www.aacscounseling.com

How Alcohol and Drug Evaluations can Help Individuals

DOT drug screens are an important part of the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) drug and alcohol testing program. DOT drug screens are performed to ensure that commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers are not impaired by drugs or alcohol. DOT drug screens are conducted using urine specimens. Drivers are required to provide a urine specimen for testing at a DOT-certified laboratory. The specimen is then tested for the presence of drugs or alcohol. There are several different types of DOT drug screens that can be performed, depending on the type of CMV driver being tested. The most common type of DOT drug screen is the pre-employment drug screen. This type of drug screen is required for all CMV drivers who are applying for a job with a DOT-regulated company. The pre-employment drug screen is a urine test that looks for the presence of drugs or alcohol. The test is typically conducted at a DOT-certified laboratory. Drivers who are applying for a job with a DOT-regulated company are required to take the pre-employment drug screen. The next most common type of DOT drug screen is the random drug screen. Random drug screens are performed on CMV drivers who are already employed by a DOT-regulated company

It is important to know what to do if you fail a DOT drug screen. The first step is to contact your employer. They will likely have a procedure in place for handling this type of situation. It is important to follow their instructions carefully as you will need to complete a drug treatment program in order to get back to work. If you are not a CDL holder, you may still be subject to disciplinary action from your employer. They may require you to complete a drug treatment program before you are allowed to return to work. It is important to seek help if you are struggling with drug addiction. There are many resources available to help you get through this difficult time.

For today’s talk I would like to specifically talk about CBD and the problem with it being so widely available without the proper warnings needed for this to occur. Companies across America do not adequately address the dangers of CBD oil. CBD oil is a hemp-derived extract that contains levels of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. While CBD oil is not currently regulated by the DOT, it is legal in many states. This means that CBD oil is readily available to truck drivers and other commercial vehicle operators, who are then able to use it while on the job. You might be thinking to yourself, but CBD is safe they sell it at the grocery store or “the guy behind the counter told me it was 0%”

CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that has shown promise in treating a variety of medical conditions.

CBD is thought to have originated in Central Asia. The region is home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations, including the Chinese and Mongol empires. CBD was likely introduced to Europe and the Americas through the Silk Road trade route.

CBD is found in both hemp and marijuana plants. However, CBD from hemp is legal in all 50 states, while CBD from marijuana is still illegal in many states. This is because hemp plants contain very little THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.

CBD has a wide range of potential medical applications. It has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety, depression, and pain. CBD is also being studied for its potential to treat other medical conditions, such as epilepsy, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

THC is the main active ingredient in marijuana and is responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects. When THC enters the brain, it binds to cannabinoid receptors, which are found in high concentrations in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and basal ganglia. These areas are responsible for memory, movement, and coordination. THC alters the normal function of these brain regions and can result in impaired memory, difficulty with motor skills, and changes in mood.

THC also affects the brain’s reward system, which is responsible for reinforcing behaviors that are essential for survival, such as eating and reproduction. THC activates the reward system by increasing the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine. This activation of the reward system can lead to compulsive drug seeking and abuse.

Long-term exposure to THC can result in changes in the brain that persist even after the person stops using the drug. These changes can lead to problems with learning and memory, and increased anxiety and paranoia.

The problem with this is that THC can impair a person’s ability to drive safely and because there is currently no way to differentiate between someone getting the THC in their system via actual marijuana or CBD. THC can cause drivers to have slower reaction times, make poor decisions, and even fall asleep at the wheel. In fact, studies have shown that THC is just as impairing as alcohol. And, like alcohol, the effects of THC can last for several hours after use. This means that a truck driver who uses CBD oil before getting behind the wheel could be in real risk of losing their license even though they thought the product they were using was mundane.

It is important that the DOT address this issue and put regulations in place to ensure that CBD oil is not used by commercial vehicle operators while on the job. Otherwise, the SAP program will continue to be a great way to improve our nation.

Clearinghouse Alcohol and Drug Evaluation

Clearinghouse alcohol and drug evaluation is done to maintain a database of drivers who are tested positive for the substance abuse. When the return-to-duty process is completed by the driver, the details are filled in the clearinghouse database. With such evaluation, the drivers will not be able to lie about the violations that they have done.

Clearinghouse got effective on Jan 6, 2020. If any driver violated the rules laid for substance abuse before 6 Jan 2020, there is no need to go to clearinghouse.

Data to be submitted in the Clearinghouse

  • All the reports related to the violations of DOT Part 382.
  • Negative return-to-duty test results.
  • Drug or alcohol test reports.

Use of Clearinghouse Alcohol and Drug Evaluation by Different People

Employers: They can report any type of drug or alcohol violations and even check if the employee has completed the return-to-duty process or not.

CDL Drivers: They can view their own record and show it to the prospective employer as a proof of successfully completing the RTD process. It becomes very important for CDL drivers as they are not allowed to work without a green signal from clearinghouse.

Medical Review Officers: Reports can be helpful in verifying the positive drug test. They can also see test refusals through the database.

Substance Abuse Professionals: The initial assessment report and eligibility status can be checked by SAPs through clearinghouse database.

State Driver Licensing Agencies: Information can be checked before completing transactions related to licenses.

How Clearinghouse Alcohol and Drug Evaluation Improves Highway Safety?

  • It helps in pre-employment investigations and obligations related to reporting.
  • The drivers are not able to cover any kind of violations related to drugs and alcohol program.
  • Necessary treatment and evaluation can be done before the driver performs safety-sensitive functions.

If you are looking for Clearinghouse alcohol and drug evaluation, then ‘American Alternative Court Services’ is just a call away!

Dual Diagnosis: Depression and Substance Use Disorders

When a drug or alcohol use pattern begins to interfere with day-to-day functions, health, and overall quality of life, we know a substance use disorder is involved and goes beyond the association with drug or alcohol usage. Many people overlook the connection between depression and substance use disorders because they are unaware that people living with depression are more likely to develop this connection. According to Health Line, substance use disorders and mental health conditions concur so often that experts have decided to call this unique combination “dual diagnosis.”

When it comes to having a dual diagnosis, major depression is the most commonly diagnosed mental health condition among people in this category.

  • 25% of people with major depressive disorder (MDD) also have a substance use disorder.
  • 8% of people with MDD also have alcohol use disorder.
  • 8% of people with MDD also have illicit drug use disorder.
  • 7% of people with MDD also have cannabis use disorder.

In the same way that depression can factor into substance use, substance use disorders can also play a significant part in depression, depending on the severity. Living with depression can cause many to feel the need to use alcohol and other substances to help ease or manage their depression. This is a form of self-medicating. Some people self-medicate to boost their energy levels, while others do so to gain sleep at night. Others might be motivated to self-medicate because of its power to lift moods and soothe unwanted emotions. While this method can mask or erase specific symptoms related to depression, it is only temporary.

Symptoms of depression typically come back in a full circle once the person stops using substances.

If a person starts living in a world where substance use is prominent, it can contribute to depression in many ways. Substances such as alcohol can release dopamines in your brain that produce feelings of pleasure. These same substances can cause increased inflammation in the brain, making it harder for your brain to produce mood-boosting chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. Withdrawals from substance use can also contribute to depression. When a person stops using, the brain takes its time adjusting and producing the expected levels of serotonin, dopamine, and other necessary chemicals for everyday healthy living. While this happens, a person might start feeling low, numb, or even have difficulty finding pleasure or interest in regular activities, all similar signs of depression. Because depression and substance use disorders can feed into each other, it is always important to pay attention to related signs and symptoms.

  • Spending large amounts of time thinking about the next opportunity to drink alcohol or use substances.
  • Knowing your substance use has hurt your career and relationships, but not bringing yourself to a stopping point.
  • Feeling even more exhausted and bitter about life once the effects of the drugs or alcohol wear off
  • Needing more and more of a particular substance to stabilize your mood and energy.
  • Feeling guilty or ashamed about your substance use but not being able to stop
  • Feeling so hopeless about your future, the long-term effects of substance use do not matter anymore.

If any of the signs above affect your daily life, a substance abuse professional who conducts alcohol and drug evaluations can offer more support and guidance. The goal of an alcohol and drug evaluation is to determine whether an alcohol or drug dependency is present and its cause(s). This makes it possible for any substance abuse professional to decide the proper course of action for recovery or intervention. In the case of dual diagnosis, alcohol and drug evaluations can address both mental health conditions and substance use disorders at the same time. At the end of an alcohol and drug evaluation, your substance abuse professional may recommend a treatment approach to help you recover. This can include but is not limited to medication, therapy, support groups, education, individual counseling, outpatient rehabilitation, intensive outpatient rehabilitation, in-patient rehabilitation, detoxing, and so much more. The resources and opportunities for tackling dual diagnosis are just as readily available as it is for someone diagnosed with just one behavioral health condition.

People often wonder whether their depression occurred independently or through substance use. To find this answer, it helps to consider how and when depression symptoms appeared. Primary depression can be identified when the depression occurs or persists even in a period or stage of stable or no substance use. Substance-induced depression can be identified when it appears after prolonged substance use and subsides/improves once substance use decreases. It’s good to know where your dual diagnosis started, but at the end of the day; no matter which condition appeared first, the most important thing to know is that both depression and substance use disorders can improve with treatment, and professional support can make a big difference in symptoms.

COMPREHENSIVE SUBSTANCE ABUSE EVALUATION

The journey to treatment and recovery from a substance abuse condition begins with an evaluation done by a professional. While no single clinician can determine the presence of disorder with only one examination, the extensive process customized by a professional, as per each person’s need grant true insight into the extent of the condition. Few might feel nervous about an assessment, others might be intimated before taking such a step, but there’s nothing to fear if the disorder is handled by a professional.

The assessment is no longer classified as an option but an essential part to get someone’s life back on track. On the basis of this innovative and practical approach, the diagnose of substance abuse and related disorders is done followed by a treatment plan. AACS Atlanta has been performing a similar role to grant results one might expect.

Symptoms of Substance Abuse Disorder

Apart from the physical indicators that hint towards substance abuse, there are some other psychological symptoms found in a person’s personality that can be detected by healthcare professionals. Some of them include:

  • Higher consumption of the substance than the normal dosage.
  • Failure to cut down or stop consumption.
  • Rise in the recovering phase from the substance’s use.
  • Cravings and an irresistible desire for consumption.
  • Impacts observed in other aspects of social life.
  • Giving up on social or recreational activities.
  • An uncontrollable desire for the effect of substance use.

Assessment Components

As per the guidelines set by Health Services Administration, there are in total of two stages of the substance use disorder evaluation. These include:

  • Substance Abuse Screening
  • CAGE Questionnaire

Is The Assessment and Evaluation Effective?

For the success of substance abuse treatment, a patient’s integrity and willpower are the factors that count the most. If they are not found at the stage where they are willing to make changes in their lifestyle, then their incomplete commitment holds no place in the treatment’s efficiency. Such delicate matters achieve success only when they are dealt with with patience and a strategic approach.

At AACS Atlanta, our trained Health Institute professionals properly administer the stages and monitors growth from the moment of a patient’s arrival.

Our mission is to get your life back on the right path.

How Do You Get a Court Ordered Drug or Alcohol Assessment?

Alcohol and Drug Evaluation near me is conducted with the purpose of identifying and analyzing if an individual under evaluation is suffering from alcohol or any sort of substance abuse issue. It is followed by analyzing the level of counseling and intervention needed if an individual is found to be going through some issue or addiction. Alcohol and Drug assessment is conducted for the non-DUI individuals i.e. the ones going through medical issues, or when ordered by the court for reasons given by different authorities like judges or law enforcement agencies to assess the extent of a person’s level of addiction to such substances.

Our team of professionals is highly skilled in behavioral and cognitive skills who will help you reach the honest results of whether you actually need some further counseling or treatments for alcohol addiction or any sort of drug treatment.

The overall alcohol and drug evaluation is carried through the stages of screening (to find if the person is actually going through the problem), then the assessment, to find out the nature of the problem the alcoholic or drug abuser is going through, thus, followed by the remedy needed in the form of rehabilitation or counseling. This helps in understanding the current status as well as the history of the patient under evaluation to reach the conclusion of whether his problem is only substance abuse or physiological/psychiatric as well. The assessment is a deep-rooted process conducted by our professionals who are experienced in their field for over 25 years. 

This alcohol and drug evaluation helps us to develop a remedial program for the treatment of the person with a specific drug or alcohol addiction.

Since we are certified by the court as well as the state, we also conduct evaluations for DUI.

Benefit of Rehabs and Tips For Knowing IOP Is The Right Choice

Around 23 million people are diagnosed with the need for addiction rehabilitation. However, the majority of them have responsibilities to complete in their daily life. So, the option of the Intensive Outpatient Program makes it possible for you.

Don’t think twice if you know you are stuck with the addiction to the substance. It is evident that the addiction can be recovered by a proper method of rehabilitation.

Check here to know the benefits of getting rehab treatment.

  1. Getting rid of the addiction as soon as possible can also improve your health. Excess drug or alcohol use leads to the declination of your health.
  2. While being sober, you can also spend more quality time with your loved ones, and this will make the bond stronger.
  3. When you start recovering from your addiction, you will realize how much of your money was invested in such substances. And, getting rid of them is saving a huge amount.
  4. Sobriety reflects on your health and appearance. In intoxication, you might look shabby and won’t care about it. But, when you are sober, you will take care of your appearance and feel confident about it.

While going to rehab, people always tend to confuse if the treatment is the right choice for them or not. So, here are some tips to let you, IOP is the best choice for you. While going for the treatment, you must ensure that you are meeting these criteria –

  • IOPs are usually a step next to the treatment in outpatient programs, these help in keeping the environment calm. So, make sure you don’t have excess tension or any factors that can trigger you to reuse the substances.
  • Your family members or anyone close to you is sober. Most importantly, they can support you and understand you.
  • You are now ready to recover by putting in your dedication without any excuses. You are determined to achieve sobriety. The journey can be tough without any determination.
  • You won’t be able to stay long in a rehab because of the responsibilities of your home, children, or office. Rather staying away from home is causing you stress.
Call Now