A substance use disorder evaluation can reveal how substance misuse or addiction impacts many areas of life, often in ways you may not notice. Even if not a full blown or diagnosable addiction, it may disrupt family connections, interfere with work performance, limit social interactions, and create serious financial challenges.
Whether you realize it or not, everyone around you can feel the adverse effects of drug addiction. Recovery begins with being open and honest with yourself and your counselor. Taking a step back to reflect on your substance use is the first move toward positive change.
An evaluator will ask questions about your life. By answering them honestly, you help identify the factors driving your substance use.
What Questions are Asked During A Telehealth Substance Abuse Evaluation?
A counselor will ask you questions about your substance use including alcohol. An alcohol abuse evaluation or any substance abuse assessment will ask you questions such as:
-
How much alcohol do you drink?
-
How often do you drink?
-
What kind of alcohol do you drink?
-
When was your last drink?
-
What were the circumstances surrounding your last drink?
-
Do you ever feel guilty or ashamed after drinking?
-
Has anyone ever expressed concern about your drinking habits?
The following is a list of questions typically asked during a substance abuse assessment with regards to substances other than alcohol. The answers to these questions will help the assessor determine the level of care needed for each individual.
- How often do you use alcohol or drugs?
- What types of alcohol or drugs do you use?
- How much alcohol or drugs do you use?
- How long have you been using alcohol or drugs?
- Have you ever tried to quit using alcohol or drugs? If so, how long ago was your last attempt?
- Do you have any medical conditions that could get worse from using alcohol or drugs?
- Do you have any mental health conditions that could get worse from using alcohol or drugs?
- Have you ever experienced withdrawal symptoms when you stopped using alcohol or drugs?
- Do you have any family history of substance abuse or addiction?
- Do you have any personal history of substance abuse or addiction?
- Are you currently experiencing any financial stressors?
- Are you currently experiencing any relationship stressors?
- Are you currently experiencing any work-related stressors?
- What is your current living situation?
- Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime?
- What is your current employment situation?
- Do you have any hobbies or interests that you are involved in?
- What are some of your personal goals in the next year?
How to Answer Substance Abuse Evaluation Questions
It is essential to answer all questions honestly during a substance use assessment. Hiding information can prevent the evaluator from making an accurate diagnosis.
Be truthful about the type and amount of substances you use during a substance abuse assessment. This helps ensure accurate results and appropriate treatment planning.
How Long Does a Substance Abuse Assessment Take?
The time required for a substance use assessment will differ based on the case. The assessment interview may take between 30-60 minutes. In most cases, it takes about five days to complete a report. Sometimes, an assessment report can be completed the same day you complete the interview depending on the provider's availability and potential fees to expedite the process .
What does a online remote substance abuse evaluation consist of at ND Assessments?
You’ll meet with a clinical counselor during a substance use assessment. They will ask you a series of questions about your substance use habits, including the types of substances you use and when you use them.
You may also be asked about any medical or mental health conscern that could affect your substance use and if other people take part in your substance use.
During drug and alcohol evaluations, you can expect to:
- Talk to a healthcare provider about your medical history, mental health, and substance use history.
- Be asked questions about your alcohol and drug use.
- Be asked to participate in a drug and alcohol questionnaire. After the assessment, the clinician will provide a report that includes recommendations or a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This may range from no recommendations, to online education, to indvidual outpatient therapy, to a more robust intensive program or inpatient program.
If you’re struggling with harmful substance use or an addiction, a substance abuse assessment can be the first step on your journey to recovery.
Why Should You Go Through A Substance Abuse Assessment?
A telehealth or online drug and alcohol assessment is a way for your counselor to understand your substance use. By asking you questions about drug or alcohol use, they can better understand what is happening in your life.
This type of assessment can also help determine if you have a substance use disorder. A substance use disorder is a medical condition. People with a substance use disorder may experience a change in many behaviors; gradually or suddenly. This can lead to social issues, health problems, and financial problems.
How to Prepare for a Remote Substance Abuse Assessment
It is normal to feel nervous before your substance use assessment. It is important to prepare for your assessment to ensure accurate results. Here are a few steps you can take to prepare:
- Be honest: Honesty ensures your assessment is accurate and truly reflects your situation.
- Make a list of questions: Before your assessment, make a list of questions you want to ask. This will help you make the most of your time.
- Consider gathering character references: If you feel you have been falsely accused of a mental health condition or substance abuse problem you may want to consider asking people to write and sign letters on your behalf which you can submit before your evaluation.
- Be prepared to answer the evaluators questions concisely: But remain open if the evaluator asks for some level of detail.
Why Is A Substance Abuse Assessment Important?
A substance abuse assessment or evaluation is important for a few different reasons. The vast majority of assessments are for a court proceeding. If you are doing it voluntarily or on the advice of your attorney it shows the judge and prosecutor that you take your charges seriously. It also allows you to come to court prepared, knowledgeable and already engaged in education, counseling, or treatment if it is appropriate. In some cases the judge will order a substance abuse assessment. If so, completing the assessment as soon as possible shows your willingness to follow the direction of the judge which is important in terms of your plea bargain or sentencing. Last but not least, if you have a true substance use problem or disorder, it will eventually cause you greater and greater losses and heartache. If that is the case, the sooner you idenitfy the severity of the problem and create a treatment plan, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of a healthier, balanced life.
What Are The Benefits Of A Substance Abuse Assessment?
A substance abuse assessment can offer several benefits, including:
- It is proactively useful when working with a court to determine your status, diagnosis or lack of diagnosis, prognosis, progress and overall attitude about substance use and its relationship to an offense.
- A comprehensive evaluation of your substance use disorder.
- It serves as the first step in an individualized treatment plan that’s tailored to your specific needs.
- Provides access to services that can help you recover from addiction.
- Offers a way to connect with other people who are struggling with problem substance use or addiction.
- If you’re struggling with addiction, a drug or alcohol assessment can be the first step to recovery.
What Are The Risks Of A Substance Abuse Assessment?
There are no risks associated with drug and alcohol assessments. However, if you’re struggling with addiction, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. The purpose of substance abuse assessment is to help you.
It is a confidential process, and your information will not be shared with anyone unless you give your permission.
Summing Up
A substance abuse assessment is an essential tool to help you and the court understand if a recent problem incident or arrest was incidental, a sign of a different problem (e.g. stress), or a developing substance use disorder. It may help the judge give you a more fair and appropriate plea deal and/or sentence. Lastly, if you need help, the assessment can also help inform other professionals such as counselors, know how to best serve you with a plan that fits your needs. If you’re struggling with negative consequences from alcohol or drug use a good substance abuse assessment can be the first step on your journey to better balance and success.
