What to Expect at a Substance Abuse Evaluation
What to Expect at a Substance Abuse Evaluation
Recent innovations in addiction treatment favor targeted and customized care. Patients are treated as individuals and not merely a composite of their symptoms. Of course, a fundamental component of making sure patients are receiving the treatment they need is a substance abuse evaluation. These assessments occur prior to entry into any type of treatment program.
Whether court-ordered or voluntary, the evaluations are key to getting an accurate idea of each patient’s substance use history. It also helps to understand the lifestyle factors that contribute to the drug and alcohol use. The assessment also reveals underlying medical or mental health disorders that may affect care.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports:
Identifying these conditions is critical to preserving patients’ safety and ensuring they get the most effective treatment possible. Of course, no two cases of addiction are identical. Therefore, it’s imperative that patients’ prospective treatment facilities have an accurate idea of their specific care needs to treat them properly.
What Happens at a Substance Abuse Evaluation?
Substance Abuse Screening
Prior to intake, treatment providers will conduct a thorough screening to determine the existence, scope, and severity of patients’ substance abuse issues. Screenings can also be conducted by social workers, counselors, psychiatrists, or any other type of mental health professional. Because the process often consists of a direct yes-or-no questionnaire, many patients start the screening process online.
- The presence or threat of substance use disorder (SUD).
- Whether preliminary interventions can be taken to prevent the onset of addiction.
- What type of substance abuse exists.
- How long the prospective patient has been abusing drugs or alcohol.
Commonly used resources in the substance abuse screening process include the Alcohol Use Inventory (AUI), Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI), and others.
Assessment
The assessment portion of the substance abuse evaluation process is more thorough and relies heavily on the screening results. Patients also answer questions to determine the exact nature of their substance use and what factors have driven its development and continuation. Once SUD has been identified — along with any associated mental health conditions, lifestyle factors, and medical issues — the assessment portion is complete.
Assessments should be conducted by an experienced professional, as they are more in-depth and can directly inform treatment. Some of the common resources utilized in modern-day substance abuse evaluation include the Diagnostic Interview Schedule-IV (DIS-IV) and the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). In some cases, substance abuse assessments can also rely on input from family or loved ones for the most accurate results.
Treatment Plan
Once patients complete their evaluation, their treatment provider will develop a customized care plan that addresses their specific treatment and lifestyle needs, including whether a patient needs inpatient or outpatient care, whether they need or are eligible for medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and more.
Don’t be afraid to find out whether or not you or a loved one needs help with drug or alcohol addiction. If substance use has negatively impacted your life, take a substance abuse evaluation today. This will determine what kind of treatment is right for you. Identifying SUD is the first step to overcoming it.
Get the Right Treatment Program at A Forever Recovery
At A Forever Recovery, you’ll benefit from the expertise of our skilled and compassionate staff. Also, our evidence-based treatment modalities work to bring lasting recovery. We believe that each client is a unique individual, and our treatment approach allows them to create a personalized recovery plan.
Some of the program options at A Forever Recovery include counseling, skills training, nutrition, exercise, music and art therapy, and much more. Also, each day in the program is filled with classes and activities that empower a person to take back control of his or her life.
Don’t continue struggling with addiction. Contact us today for a free assessment, and begin the path to a lifestyle you desire and deserve. One of our representatives is available now to take your call.
- pubs.niaaa.nih.gov – Alcohol Use Inventory (AUI)
- samhsa.gov – Mental and Substance Use Disorders
- pubs.niaaa.nih.gov – Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI)
- integration.samhsa.gov – Screening Tools
- pubs.niaaa.nih.gov – Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS-IV) Alcohol Module
- pubs.niaaa.nih.gov – Addiction Severity Index (ASI)
