Alcohol and drug evaluations primarily help evaluate drug or alcohol abuse. They determine whether you have been using drugs or alcohol over some time and whether you have a substance abuse problem. A prospective employer may require drug and alcohol evaluations. The courts can also order an alcohol and drug evaluation to be done after a drunk driving or illegal drug or alcohol-related activity. Attorneys may use drug and alcohol evaluations to support an individual on trial or facing punishment. Drug dependence treatment centers may also perform drug and alcohol testing to determine how much treatment a client needs.
Alcohol and drug evaluations usually take 60 to 90 minutes to complete. A certified drug addiction specialist will guide you through all the necessary steps. This process usually includes preliminary examinations and evaluation, follow-up appointments, and referrals for treatment. The review itself helps determine if there is a problem, whereas the assessment determines the depth of the problem. Some substance abuse evaluations can be more in-depth, so they may include a mental health assessment to decide whether or not you also have a mental illness associated with substance abuse.
When evaluating alcohol and drug abuse, questions commonly asked relate to a history of substance abuse, family history of substance use, mental health conditions, and even physical and medical health problems. The evaluation process is not just a list of questions; it is also a way to diagnose further and evaluate the screening results. An individualized follow-up plan for drug or alcohol use will be established if the results are correctly analyzed. It’s always best to get the help you need with your substance abuse when it is first discovered to avoid unwanted situations and circumstances.
Law enforcement agencies may refer to court-ordered evaluations to determine the outcome of drug use for illegal activities, such as drunk driving or possession of illicit drugs. A social worker who studies a child’s home environment may recommend that parents undergo an alcohol and drug evaluation to determine if they are fit to care for a child. After a court has ordered an alcohol and drug evaluation, you may be requested to fulfill specific requirements that, if met promptly, will aid in your recovery process and put you in a better position with the court. These requirements can range from attending alcohol or drug risk reduction programs, random urine drug/alcohol testing, and inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation if needed.
