The first step in the recovery process is to complete a drug and alcohol addiction evaluation. This testing aims to determine the risk factors and possibility for issues to arise during detox and continual recovery. You’ll be asked about your medical history, history of substance use, and if you’ve noticed physiological or psychological impact from your substance use.
By identifying the severity of substance abuse on your physical and mental health, your practitioner can provide you with the best treatment course. They’ll ensure that it fosters the outcomes you deserve. Certain types of therapy or treatment recommendations will be provided based on your assessment.
By working honestly with your doctor, you can create an effective plan for recovery. Now that you know how vital these evaluations are, you’re ready to learn how the drug and alcohol evaluation is conducted. Read on to learn more.
The Goal of a drug and alcohol evaluation
The goal of a drug and alcohol evaluation is to determine how severe the substance abuse is and identify the individual’s needs and their level of necessary care. Medical health professionals will carry out the review. The assessment is done in a safe environment to make individual sharing more comfortable.
The Assessment In Four Steps
Here are the four components of a drug and alcohol evaluation:
- Interview
- Screening and assessment
- Quick screening tool
- Recommendations
Each step gives the assessor information to find suitable treatment recommendations.
1. The Interview Portion
The interview portion is a formal interview gauged at learning the history of use and the type of substances used. The impact of addiction on the individual is discussed.
2. Screening and assessment
The screening procedure consists of questions that inform the assessor whether proceeding to the assessment step is necessary. The questions asked in the drug and alcohol evaluation vary by provider, treatment center, and location.
The assessment determines an official diagnosis of alcohol or substance addiction. Queries are used to diagnose the individual. Most assessments take between 1 and 2 hours. Participants must hand in paperwork for review, including:
- Copy of criminal history report
- Assessment results for any DUI or RRP
- Driving history reports
3. The Quick Screenings Tool
The quick screenings tool portion of the evaluation is a series of questionnaires to assess the dangers of the initial stage of substance abuse. The goal is to create a preventative treatment plan. Some of the screenings in the drug and alcohol evaluation include:
- Opioid screening tool
- Measuring tool (to determine the likelihood of addiction while managing chronic pain)
- Risk level
- Dedicated assessment (this is for patients with significant drug and alcohol consumption)
4. The Recommendations Stage
The recommendations stage is the final point of the drug and alcohol evaluation. Here, the assessor determines the participant’s condition and makes treatment recommendations.
A path to recovery
A drug and alcohol evaluation is the first step toward recovery. This judgment-free assessment is intended to provide you with the best possible care so you can start on the right path to recovery.
