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

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!

Steps of Alcohol and Drug Evaluations

Finding the help necessary to overcome substance abuse can seem difficult for many. In the past year, the number of deaths caused by alcohol and drug addiction has increased tremendously. This is why the courts may ask for a drug and alcohol evaluation from a state-approved treatment facility in many cases involving substance use. Drug or alcohol-related offenses such as driving while intoxicated (DUI), possession, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication, to name a few.

The goal of an alcohol and drug evaluation is to determine whether an alcohol or drug dependency is present and whether substance abuse contributed to the arrest. This makes it possible for your evaluator to decide the proper course of action for recovery or intervention. Only licensed and certified counselors are permitted to conduct alcohol and drug evaluations. We call these individuals substance abuse professionals.

The first part of an alcohol and drug evaluation, after scheduling, includes completing a questionnaire. The information in the questionnaire will be used as a pre-screening tool and reference point for the substance abuse professional conducting your evaluation. The nature of the questionnaire may vary, but most questions on a questionnaire cover topics involving substance history and frequency. It is important to fill out assessments and questionnaires prior to the scheduled evaluation so that the evaluator can have a working/ better understanding of current conditions before meeting with the client. The clinician’s ability to review documentation prior allows for opportunities to catch behavioral or health patterns, trends, and observations and assess further. Quite often, conditions aren’t treated appropriately because symptoms are overlooked.

After the questionnaire, a one-on-one clinical interview with your substance abuse professional will take place. At this point, your evaluator will take this opportunity to ask you questions that delve deeper into your relationship with alcohol and drugs. Interview questions usually focus on how substance use has affected aspects of your life like finances, relationships, work, overall health, and triggers that may have caused the presence of anxiety or depression. You will not have to worry about any kind of judgment from your substance abuse professional, and the personal information you share during the evaluation will never be released without your consent. That said, being as open and honest as possible is the best way to utilize the alcohol and drug evaluation to find recovery options that meet your individual needs.

The next big step after the interview involves a critical decision that can help change or alter an individual’s past behaviors. We have now reached the road to recovery. During the evaluation, your substance abuse professional was given a chance to evaluate the nature and depth of your substance abuse to determine which program(s) could help you recover. This can include education, individual counseling, group therapy, outpatient rehabilitation, intensive outpatient rehabilitation, in-patient rehabilitation, detoxing, and so much more. The resources and opportunities are endless. To make things easier, all recommendations will be placed in a written evaluation report for you to take home and consider. The alcohol and drug evaluation process are finally over, and it’s time for you to decide when your road to recovery will begin and where it will take you.

Drug & Alcohol Evaluations | Fast & Court Approved

Alcohol and drug evaluation near me primarily assist in determining drug or alcohol abuse. They determine if you have used drugs or alcohol for an extended period and if a substance abuse problem is related. If you fail a pre-employment drug screen, a prospective employer may request a drug and alcohol evaluation.

The courts may also order an alcohol and drug evaluation following a drunk driving incident or other illegal drug or alcohol-related activity. Attorneys sometimes use alcohol and drug evaluations to help a client on trial. Alcohol and drug evaluation typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes. A certified drug addiction specialist will walk you through each step.

The alcohol and drug evaluation procedure typically include preliminary examinations, follow-up appointments, and treatment referrals. The review determines whether or not there is a problem, whereas the assessment determines the extent of the problem. Some substance abuse evaluations are more in-depth than others, so they may include a mental health assessment to determine whether or not you have a mental illness associated with substance use.

When evaluating alcohol and drug abuse, questions commonly asked can relate to your history of substance use, your family’s history of substance use, mental health conditions, and even physical and medical health problems. The evaluation process is more than just a series of questions; it is also a means of further diagnosing and evaluating the screening results. An individualized follow-up plan for treatment will be given at the end of the alcohol and drug evaluation.

To avoid unfavorable situations and circumstances, it is always best to seek help for your substance abuse as soon as it is discovered. Following court-ordered alcohol and drug evaluations, you may be asked to complete specific requirements that, if met promptly, will aid in your recovery process and place you in a better position with the court. These requirements may include participation in alcohol or drug risk reduction programs, random urine drug/alcohol testing, and, if necessary, inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation.

The results of an evaluation can help in many ways. Law enforcement agencies may rely on court-ordered assessments to determine the outcome of charges related to illegal activities such as drunk driving or drug possession. A social worker who investigates a child’s home environment may look at a parent’s evaluation results to determine their fitness to care for a child.

To know more related to Alcohol and Drug Evaluation Near me visit us now.

Alcohol and Drug Clearinghouse Evaluation – SAP for DOT

The Department of Transportation has instituted a new procedure for drivers with violations. The clearinghouse SAP Evaluation is mandatory for individuals who test positive for alcohol or drugs while on the job. The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation.

The driver must register on the FMCSA Clearinghouse and contact an SAP professional to begin the process. The SAP professional provides an assessment and recommendation to facilitate the process to return to work as soon as possible.

Here is the new process for SAP

MRO verifies a positive drug test or refusal.  Or employer verifies a positive alcohol test or an employer-determined refusal

  • MRO (or employer) enters the violation on the driver’s record, using the CD# that is now required to be on the CCF
  • The driver receives a notification (e-mail or text, according to the driver’s preference) that information has been entered on his record
  • A driver goes to his record, views the violation, and enters the name of the SAP he wishes to use
  • The Clearinghouse now kicks out a notification e-mail to the SAP, indicating that the SAP has an “invitation” from the driver
  • The SAP goes to his/her record on the Clearinghouse and will see an invitation message on the SAP’s dashboard with the driver’s name
  • The SAP clicks on “Accept Request” or “Deny Request”
  • If the SAP clicks on “Accept Request”, the SAP will now be able to access the driver’s record
  • After the SAP completes the assessment and tells the driver what the SAP’s treatment recommendation is, the SAP enters the date of the final assessment meeting
  • After determining that the driver has successfully complied, the SAP enters the date of the determination, which means an employer (either the previous employer or a new employer) can order a return-to-duty test
  • The SAP is now done.  Close the file!

Nothing will happen until the MRO enters a drug test result or refusal, or until the employer enters an alcohol test result or refusal.  Entering that information on a driver’s record is the necessary first step in order to start the whole process.

Important considerations:

  1. An MRO has 2 days in which to report a drug violation.
  2. An employer has 3 days in which to report an alcohol violation.

That means the driver may be in your office before the violation has been recorded on the Clearinghouse, and therefore the driver hasn’t been able to invite you to be his/her SAP.

When the driver enters your name, it must be exactly the name that you used when you registered on the Clearinghouse.  If you are Deborah Jones, and the driver enters Deb Jones, it won’t go through.  Be sure that the driver knows the exact name that is in your Clearinghouse record.

WHAT IF I CAN’T FIND THE DRIVER’S RECORD?

If the driver tells you he/she has registered, and if the date of the violation was January 6 or after, then the violation should be on the Clearinghouse.  If it was a drug test, and more than two days have passed since the MRO talked to the driver, you could call the MRO’s office and ask if they entered the violation.  If they tell you it’s been entered, the driver might not have looked at his e-mail to see the instruction about inviting an SAP.  If they tell you they haven’t entered the violation, you could ask when they will enter the violation information on the driver’s record.

Remember:  There is a 2-day window for MROs and a 3-day window for employers.  No wonder you can’t find it on his record.  In that case, you won’t be able to enter the assessment completion date until the violation has been entered.  Yes, this gets complicated.

NOT EVERY DRIVER MUST REGISTER ON THE CLEARINGHOUSE

FMCSA makes this statement frequently.  It’s deceiving and confusing.  But it’s not a loophole.  If a driver never ever applies for a job with a new employer, and that same driver never has a violation, there’s no reason for the driver to be on the Clearinghouse, because no future employer would be checking to see if he has a violation.  Also, when his current employer conducts an annual query on his record, it wouldn’t come up, because he doesn’t have a violation.

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

Outpatient Rehab New York

During outpatient Rehab or rehabilitation, patients live in their homes or in calm housing facilities and move to treatment facilities during the day for additional structure and support. Outpatient rehabilitation provides patients with more freedom than inpatient rehabilitation, which requires them to stay in a treatment facility during the treatment period. Normally, patients will spend time in a detox facility to rehabilitate so that they can start a “clean” rehabilitation.

During outpatient rehabilitation, patients typically go to one or more facilities for one to nine hours of treatment per day. During this time, they participate in individual and group therapies and other treatments such as art therapy and yoga. Case managers can be used to contact private physicians, chiropractic services, and other outpatient care providers such as those who can provide recommendations in regards to applying for government support programs. Some outpatient programs may also offer limited medical support, such as prescription replenishment. There are also outpatient programs that can provide life and recovery coaching. After treatment, the patient returns to normal life and begins the process again the next day.

The cost of inpatient rehabilitation can sometimes scare people away because these treatment centers are usually more expensive than outpatient programs, especially with longer treatment times. Outpatient rehabilitation is usually a low-cost alternative that remains effective in treating drug and alcohol dependence. Let it be known that addiction is a disease that should not be underestimated. Less severe, or even early-stage addictions, must be treated before they become more intense and more difficult to maintain.

However, if the severity of the addiction is low, the daily environment may not affect treatment as much as more severe addiction cases. In addition, less severe and early stage addiction requires less intensive treatment 24 hours a day. Therefore, it may be safer to start outpatient rehabilitation when the worry of relapsing at home is not present.

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