Life can throw us many curveballs.
In dealing with drug and alcohol addiction, you don’t have to go through your recovery journey alone. If you have run into legal trouble resulting from drug and alcohol addiction, a certified treatment provider can help.
Continue reading for more on drug and alcohol evaluations.
Drugs and Alcohol Evaluations
Drug and alcohol evaluations usually take place as the result of a court order. If you’re convicted of driving under the influence, also known as DUI, a Marietta drug and alcohol evaluation may be recommended.
The purpose of this evaluation is to determine the presence of drugs or alcohol and identify the magnitude of the problem.
What to Expect
You may be feeling nervous or unsure of what to expect if you have an upcoming drug or alcohol evaluation. It is important to remember not all evaluations are handled the same.
The first step in drug and alcohol evaluations is the use of a questionnaire. This questionnaire is available in a written or online format. The questionnaire may ask how drugs and alcohol have affected your relationships, finances, or employment status.
Before you can meet with a certified substance abuse counselor, you will take the questionnaire. Additionally, you may be subject to drug and alcohol screening. The questionnaire results will determine if you have any underlying medical conditions such as depression or anxiety or a history of substance abuse.
What to Bring
Your court-appointed drug and alcohol evaluation will require some preparation.
Be sure to bring any court documentation including, any arrest records, probation papers, or criminal history reports. If you have been convicted of a DUI, be sure to bring a 7-year motor vehicle report, a certificate of completion from a DUI school, and a copy of your NEEDS assessment.
Potential Treatment Recommendations
Once you’ve completed your drug and alcohol evaluation, a testing counselor will then review any information collected and generate a report on your behalf.
Determining the results of your report, you will be in one of the following: short-term treatment, long-term treatment, or insufficient evidence.
Short-term treatment identifies you as suffering from drug and alcohol abuse. A counselor may recommend you participate in individual or group counseling. A registered treatment provider must conduct these sessions. You can expect to attend between 6 and 12 sessions.
Long-term treatment identifies you as suffering from a substance use disorder. You may be a danger to yourself and others when under the influence. Long-term treatment takes place at a court-appointed outpatient facility for a duration of 4 to 12 months.
If you are labeled as insufficient evidence after your drug and alcohol evaluation, not enough evidence is available to determine that you have a drug or alcohol problem.
The label of insufficient evidence is a rare occurrence. If you are labeled as insufficient evidence, you may still have to partake in a one-day program.
The Diversion Center
If you must complete a drug and alcohol evaluation, the process can seem daunting. The diversion center is here to help.
Contact us today for more information on what steps to take and honest recommendations from professionals you can trust.