Kim Vytell, LCADC, LSW, Clinical Director, earned both her BS and MS in social work from Rutgers University and is an EMDR-trained therapist. She recognizes the impact that addiction and trauma have on individuals, and the importance of addressing both in order to live healthy and happy lives. She is dedicated to helping individuals and families who have been affected by the disease of addiction, believing everyone is capable of recovery. Kim is passionate about helping others move beyond their pasts and discover their true selves.
A substance abuse evaluation is a clinical assessment used to determine if an individual has a drug or alcohol use disorder. Knowing what happens at a substance abuse evaluation will greatly alleviate concerns, especially since these assessments are pretty standard and consist mainly of the same things. That’s why, at Avenues Recovery, we aim to break down this topic and make it feel less intimidating.
Key Takeaways:
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A substance abuse assessment is a professional evaluation used to understand whether drug or alcohol use is present and how severe it may be
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The assessment looks at physical health, mental health, behavior, substance use patterns, and how use is affecting daily life.
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Some assessments are court-mandated, especially if substance use has led to legal issues, school violations, or probation requirements.
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Assessments help determine the most appropriate level of care, from outpatient support to detox or residential treatment.
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Getting an assessment early can lead to better outcomes, faster intervention, and long-term recovery.
When Is a Substance Abuse Evaluation Used?
A substance abuse evaluation is used when there are concerns that someone’s drug or alcohol use may be affecting their health, behavior, or daily functioning. Some drug and alcohol users may be required to have a court-ordered substance abuse evaluation. This could happen in the case of out-of-control substance abuse that endangers oneself or others. When someone reaches that point, a mandated assessment must take place.
An alcohol and substance abuse evaluation has many purposes:
- Determines if the individual has an alcohol or drug addiction
- Determines the extent of the addiction
- Discerns if there are any co-occurring disorders
- Assesses how much the addiction affects the person’s life
- Offers an understanding of the individual’s unique circumstances so the right treatment plan can be built
What Does a Substance Abuse Evaluation Consist Of?
A substance abuse evaluation consists of a clinical interview, substance use history, mental health assessment, and standardized screening tools. There are two parts to any substance abuse evaluation: a screening and a substance abuse assessment. The first evaluates the possible presence of a drug or alcohol addiction. The second defines the problem, provides a diagnosis, and develops a specific treatment plan for recovery.
Substance Abuse Screening
This part helps the professional examiner determine if there is, in fact, an addiction that needs further examination. You can often complete the screening online for convenience. It’s important for both professionals and individuals, as it will identify risk factors and enable early care and support. It can be a healthy first step toward recovery.
There are 4 things every screening will include:
- Family history of drug and alcohol use/abuse
- Age of first use
- Questions about your alcohol or drug use: What you’re using and how much/often
- Legal/social/employment impact
Substance Abuse Assessment
This part of the alcohol and substance abuse evaluation aims to find direct evidence that supports the presence or absence of a drug or alcohol addiction. Here, a professional interviews the individual while reviewing the screening results, and, if applicable, develops a treatment plan tailored to the person’s circumstances.
There are four things every substance abuse assessment will include:
- Review and clarify the screening results
- Explore an individual’s drug use background and current situation
- Define the substance’s impact on an individual’s life in more detail
- Develop a unique recovery program, if applicable
How Long Does a Substance Abuse Evaluation Take?
In total, you can expect your entire substance abuse evaluation process to take just over 2 hours.
Once a substance screening and assessment (and, if necessary, drug testing) are complete, the evaluation is over.
- Screening is pretty quick (even more so when done in advance)
- An assessment is estimated to take between 90 minutes and 2 hours
- Drug testing is also pretty quick, as long as it takes to produce a urine, hair, or blood sample. The results are usually ready within a couple of days to a week.
What Happens After Completing the Substance Abuse Evaluation?
After completing a substance abuse evaluation, the provider reviews your results and issues a report with a diagnosis and treatment recommendations. This report may be used for court, employment, or to begin rehabilitation treatment. The final meeting before entering a treatment facility would include the results of the substance abuse evaluation and suggested next steps.
From Assessment to Healing
While it’s natural to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or even secretive, being honest during a substance abuse evaluation is in your best interest. Holding information back can limit the effectiveness of the assessment and make it harder to create a full, comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs. The more open you are, the better the professionals can understand your situation and design the right support for you.
If you have any questions about the assessment or are ready to take the next step, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to guide and support you every step of the way.
FAQs on Substance Abuse Evaluations
Do they drug test you at a substance abuse evaluation?
Substance abuse evaluations that take place preceding admission into a treatment facility do not usually include drug testing. However, in cases where a legal charge involves drugs and alcohol, and the court mandates a substance abuse assessment, a drug and alcohol urinalysis may be part of the evaluation.
How much is a drug and alcohol evaluation?
A drug and alcohol assessment typically costs between $100 and $250. Prices vary based on location, provider credentials, and whether the evaluation is for court, employment, or treatment. Some insurance plans may cover the cost partially or in full.
Can you do a substance abuse evaluation online?
Yes, you can complete a substance abuse evaluation online through licensed providers using secure video conferencing. Online evaluations follow the same clinical standards as in-person sessions and are accepted by many courts, employers, and treatment programs when properly administered.
How do you pass a substance abuse evaluation?
You don’t “pass” a substance abuse evaluation like a test. The goal is to provide honest, accurate information about your substance use. Evaluators assess your history, behavior, and health to determine if treatment is needed, not to judge or grade your responses.