Alcohol is one of the most popular drugs in the United States. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which provides addiction statistics, 85.6% of people aged 18 or older have consumed alcohol at least once in their lives, with 69.5% reporting consuming alcohol in the past year and 54.9% having done so in the previous month.
With the numbers continuously rising and the age bracket expanding, it is an alarming concern not only for parents, but also for state officials. In fact, if we are to break down the statistics, the productivity losses due to excessive alcohol consumption in the United States is already at $179 billion with medical costs standing at $28 billion and total amount of vehicle collisions attributed to alcoholism is $13 billion.
In Texas, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reports that there were 11,658 motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol in 2018. These crashes resulted in 455 fatalities and nearly 3000 injuries.
If you are one of the many people struggling with an alcohol problem, it is important to seek professional help. An evaluation by a qualified addiction specialist can help you to understand your drinking patterns and make necessary changes.
Alcohol and Drug Assessments
A alcohol and drug assessment is usually the first step in getting help for an alcohol or drug problem. The assessment is a way to determine what level of care, if any, you need. It can be done by a doctor, psychologist, counselor, or a specialist in addiction problems. Whichever professional you choose to consult to, the type of assessment you will need will depend on the severity of your alcohol or drug problem.
The purpose of an assessment is to:
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Determine if you have an alcohol or drug problem
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Identify the severity of your problem
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Recommend a course of treatment
What is the Difference Between an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Screening Test and an Assessment?
An alcohol and drug abuse screening test is a quick way to determine if you might have a problem with drinking or using drugs. It is usually done by a brief written questionnaire about your drinking or drug use habits. On the other hand, an alcohol and drug assessment is a more in-depth evaluation of your drinking or drug use.It involves an interview with a professional to determine the severity of your problem and to recommend a course of treatment.
If you think you might have a problem with drinking or using drugs, it is important to get an assessment from a qualified professional. They can help you to understand your options and make the best decision for your treatment.
The Assessment Process: What Happens During an Assessment?
During an assessment, you will be asked about your drinking or drug use habits, as well as any medical and mental health problems you might have. You will also be asked about your family history of substance abuse and whether you have ever tried to quit drinking or to use drugs before.
After the assessment is complete, the addiction specialist will meet with you to discuss the findings and make recommendations for proper treatment. If you do not have an alcohol or drug problem, you may be referred for appropriate counseling or other services to help you with any underlying mental health issues.
Now, the treatment for an alcohol or drug abuse problem can vary from person to person, and it is important to find a program that best meets your needs.
If you are struggling with an addiction, there are many resources available to help you. You don’t have to go through this alone. If you or someone you know is struggling with an alcohol or drug problem, please reach out for help. There are many qualified professionals who can help you to get on the road to recovery.
How to Prepare for Your Alcohol Assessment
When you are getting ready for your alcohol assessment, there are a few things you can do to prepare.
1. Be honest about your drinking habits.
It is important to be honest with the person conducting your assessment so they can get an accurate picture of your drinking habits. If you have been drinking heavily or using drugs, it is also important, to be honest about this as well. It is not uncommon for people to try to hide their drug use from their assessor. However, lying about it may lead to a misdiagnosis, and you may not get the help you need.
In addition, it is also important that you be as specific as possible about how much alcohol you drink, how often you drink, and what kind of alcohol you drink. This information will help the assessor determine if you have a problem and what kind of treatment would be best for you.
If you are not sure about your drinking habits, it may be helpful to keep a journal of your drinking for a few weeks leading up to your assessment. This will give you a better idea of how much and how often you are drinking.
2. Be prepared to discuss your criminal history (if there is any)
If you have any prior convictions, it is important to be prepared to discuss them with your assessor. These convictions can affect the severity of your addiction and the type of treatment you may need.
If you are not comfortable discussing your criminal history, you can ask the assessor if they can review your records before your meeting. This way, you can be prepared to discuss them and answer any questions the assessor may have.
3. Be prepared to discuss any medical or mental health problems you may have
You should also be prepared to discuss any medical or mental health problems you have. Be sure to bring along a list of any medications you are taking, as well as any documentation of treatment you have received in the past.
Treatment Options for an Alcohol or Drug Problem
Treatment for substance-related problems can be done in many different settings, and it is important to find a program that best meets your needs. Some of the most common types of treatment programs include:
Inpatient Treatment
This type of program requires you to live at the treatment facility for a period of time, typically 30 days. During your stay, you will receive around-the-clock care from medical and mental health professionals.
Outpatient treatment
This type of program allows you to live at home and participate in treatment during the day or evening. Outpatient programs typically last for 12 weeks or more.
Sober living homes
Sober living homes provide a safe and structured environment for people in recovery. However, residents typically have to follow certain rules, such as abstaining from drugs and alcohol, attending weekly meetings, and completing chores.
Treatment Centers
Treatment centers are facilities that provide a variety of services, such as detoxification, individual therapy, group therapy, and recreation. Treatment centers typically offer short-term stays of 30 days or less.
The type of treatment you receive will depend on many factors, including your drinking habits, criminal history, medical and mental health problems, and personal preferences. It is important to find a treatment program that meets your needs and that you feel comfortable with.
Aftercare
Aftercare refers to the services and support you receive after you finish a treatment program. This can include things like 12-step meetings, individual therapy, or family counseling. Aftercare aims to help you maintain your sobriety and prevent relapse.
Wrap Up
No matter what type of treatment you choose, it is important to remember that recovery is a lifelong process. There will be ups and downs, but with perseverance and support, you can achieve lasting sobriety.
