Drug and Alcohol Assessment

Are you facing legal charges due to alcohol or drug use? Or perhaps consequences at work or school? You may be asked to complete an alcohol or drug assessment. Sorting through what needs to be done when facing potentially serious consequences can be overwhelming and stressful. It is natural to have questions about what to expect if you need to complete an alcohol and drug assessment. Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions.

WHAT EXACTLY IS AN ALCOHOL AND DRUG ASSESSMENT?

The purpose is for an independent evaluator to learn more about you.  This includes what you were using, the impact that it had on your life, and how this, in turn, impacts your relationships, work, family life, school, and general well being.

WHAT KIND OF QUESTIONS WILL I BE ASKED DURING AN ASSESSMENT?

You will be asked a series of questions.  These questions will be asked by your counselor, and you will complete a series of written assessments.  The information gathered will include the following:  your history of using alcohol and/or other drugs, previous alcohol or drug treatments, your thoughts on future use, significant medical problems,  mental health concerns, sources of support and resources to help you in making positive life changes, your living environment, and the consequences from your alcohol and/or drug use, including legal issues, employment problems, and relationship problems.

The goal of asking these questions is to understand the chemicals you used, how much, the context of your using, and how your use did or did not impact your life. 

WHY DO I NEED TO COMPLETE AN ALCOHOL AND DRUG ASSESSMENT?

Typically alcohol and drug assessments are requested by lawyers, the courts, employers, schools, or family members. Usually, something has happened, an accident, a legal charge, poor performance, or changes in behavior that have prompted someone to express concerns about your alcohol and/or drug use.