Substance abuse evaluations help determine how much a person is using drugs or alcohol. These evaluations can spot problems with substance use and help shape treatment plans. They also identify other disorders that might be affecting the person’s substance use.
Sometimes, courts require these evaluations for legal cases involving drugs or alcohol. In rehab facilities, thorough substance use evaluations are important for creating personalized treatment plans. This guide highlights what’s involved with these assessments and shows you how to get effective addiction treatment.
If you or someone you know needs help with substance abuse, getting an evaluation is an important first step. Get a substance abuse evaluation by calling our hotline at 855-701-0479.
What Is a Substance Abuse Evaluation?
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When someone needs help with drug or alcohol problems, addiction treatment centers first evaluate to understand how serious the addiction is and how best to treat it. Sometimes, if the person’s substance use is serious and harmful, they might need to have an evaluation ordered by a court.
The evaluation helps in several ways:
- Checks if the person has a drug or alcohol addiction.
- Figures out how severe the addiction is.
- Looks for any other mental health issues that might be happening together.
- Sees how the addiction is impacting the person’s life.
- Understands the person’s specific situation to guide the treatment plan.
Where Can I Get a Substance Abuse Evaluation?
Finding a place to get a substance abuse evaluation is an essential step in the recovery journey. These evaluations can be done at many locations, including hospitals, mental health clinics, or rehab centers. Each place has professionals who understand how to help people struggling with substance abuse.
For help finding where to get an evaluation, call our hotline at 855-701-0479.
What to Expect at a Substance Abuse Evaluation
A substance abuse evaluation has two main parts: the screening and the assessment. The screening checks if you might have an addiction to drugs or alcohol. The assessment digs deeper to define the problem, diagnose it, and create a specific recovery plan. The questions asked during these evaluations are similar, so you can prepare by reading this guide and researching.
Substance abuse screening
Screening enables the professional to decide if there is an addiction that requires treatment. You can often do an online screening, which is convenient. The screening highlights any risks and allows for timely intervention and support. It’s a good first step toward getting better.
All drug screenings look at four things:
- Your family history with drugs and alcohol.
- What substances you’re using and in what quantity.
- How it’s affecting your work, legal status, and social life.
- When you first started using drugs or alcohol.
Substance abuse assessment
This component checks for clear signs of an addiction to drugs or alcohol based on the screening results. A professional will talk to you and review the screening results.
This part might involve a structured interview with set questions, or an interview that involves more detailed and personal questions. The second option is better because it helps create a treatment plan that fits your needs exactly.
All substance abuse assessments include the following parts:
- Reviewing and clarifying the screening results.
- Discussing your background with drug use and what’s happening now.
- Looking closely at how the addiction is affecting your life.
- Making a personalized plan to help you recover.
How Long Does a Substance Abuse Evaluation Last?
Once you complete the substance screening, assessment, and drug testing, the evaluation is complete.
- The screening is quick, especially if done ahead of time.
- An assessment usually lasts from 90 minutes to 2 hours.
- Drug testing is fast too. It just takes as long as providing a sample of urine, hair, or blood. You’ll typically get the results back within a week.
- Altogether, you should plan for a little over 2 hours if you require a substance abuse evaluation.
Call Addiction Hotline for a Substance Abuse Evaluation Today
If you need a substance abuse evaluation for yourself or a loved one, call Addiction Hotline any time for immediate help. Addictions usually get worse over time but respond well to treatment.
Sadly, many people with addictions want help but don’t know how to go about this. Addiction hotlines serve as a useful first step.
Call our hotline any time of day or night to speak with a trainer professional ready to help you get treatment. Speak with an expert in confidence about all aspects of addiction, including how to get started with a substance use evaluation. You can proceed with this evaluation before heading to rehab or wait for the initial assessment when you arrive.
When you’re ready for treatment, hotline staff can refer you to:
- Medical detox centers
- Outpatient rehabs
- Inpatient rehabs
- Support groups
For immediate help with addiction treatment, call 855-701-0479.
