Substance Abuse Evaluation
Also commonly known as:
What Is It?
A Substance Abuse Evaluation is a thorough assessment designed to understand an individual’s history and relationship with alcohol or drug use. Whether for legal reasons, employment, or personal reflection, it’s an opportunity to gain insights in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
Highlights
If you need an evaluation for specific cases like DUI (Convicted/Found Guilty), Child Custody, Divorce Court, License Reinstatement, or US DOT Return to Duty, please contact us by phone at 800-683-7745 or request a callback.
We provide specialized evaluations tailored to meet the specific requirements of theese cases
The primary purpose of an Alcohol and Drug Evaluation (sometimes referred to as a Substance Abuse Evaluation for non-DUI clients) is to comprehensively assess the symptoms present in the individual and determine whether these constitute an addictive disease and/or a co-occurring psychiatric disorder. For more information on addictive diseases and co-occurring psychiatric disorders, please visit SAMHSA.
Alcohol and Drug Evaluations are often court-ordered or recommended by a criminal defense attorney or probation office for alcohol- or drug-related charges. Common reasons requiring individuals to seek an Alcohol and Drug Evaluation include charges such as Public Intoxication, Prostitution, Reckless Driving, Disorderly Conduct, Possession of Controlled Substances, or referrals from the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS). DFCS referrals are typically made when parents need to be assessed to determine whether substance abuse or dependency interferes with their ability to provide a safe and sufficient level of care for their child.
The process is confidentially administered on an outpatient basis and evaluates addictive behaviors for a variety of substances, including methamphetamines, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, alcohol, and more. Regardless of the specific substance(s) involved, the Alcohol and Drug Evaluation examines virtually every aspect of the individual’s substance use history and contributing factors, including medical, mental health, social, interpersonal, occupational, family, educational, and legal histories. For more details on how the ASAM Criteria guides these evaluations, please visit ASAM Criteria.
This evaluation process is facilitated using standardized psychometric tests and relevant documentation, such as court records, medical history reports, and previous psychiatric or psychological evaluations. Upon completing the comprehensive interview and assessment process, the evaluation concludes with a written report. If you’re curious about screening tools used in the evaluation process, visit NIDA’s resource page.
Given that Alcohol and Drug Evaluations are often used in legal settings, individuals are encouraged to complete evaluations promptly. This shows a willingness to take responsibility for one’s actions. If you or someone you know needs an Alcohol and Drug Evaluation, please contact us for a thorough and personalized assessment or to make a referral.
The first step is your initial contact with the evaluation provider. You will need to provide basic information, including your name, date of birth, phone number, and email address. Once this information is collected, you will be able to schedule a convenient date and time for the evaluation.
Alcohol and Drug Evaluations typically take 45 minutes to an hour to complete. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth and video conferencing options have become widely accepted, even in legal contexts. AACS Counseling offers both in-person and virtual evaluations to accommodate individual preferences and needs.
For court-ordered evaluations, accuracy in reporting your arrest record is especially important. Any discrepancies in the information provided could result in the evaluation being invalidated, as probation officers, judges, or other legal authorities can easily access a comprehensive record of your arrests. Providing accurate and complete information ensures the evaluation is accepted and facilitates a smoother legal process.
For additional information or a same-day appointment, please contact us.
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