A substance abuse evaluation is an assessment of an individual to discern whether drugs or alcohol is a problem in a person's life. Basically, there are three general categories of using these substances, which are social use, abuse and dependence. Social use is either experiment with drugs or alcohol, or in connection with use of the drug with few adverse effects associated with use. Abuse periodic or regular use of the substance, and the user experience any negative consequences such as relationship problems, legal problems, job difficulties or physical health problems. Addiction is the regular use of a substance that develops into an addiction. Abuse includes any problems with addiction, but the user develops a physical or mental depending on the subject.

Who needs a substance abuse evaluation?

The 3 most common situations that require an abuse evaluation is to help a legal problem, to assess a family member or to help an employee with a work situation.

Abuse Assessment for the right position

Often a person who is arrested for a DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) will be court ordered to have substance abuse evaluation done by a qualified professional. Sometimes a person who is in a custody battle may be required to make an assessment if they have a history of drug use. Another circumstance that may require a substance abuse evaluation is a person who has been arrested for disturbing the peace, aggravated battery or a domestic arrest where the offender was drunk.

Abuse Assessment for Family Member

When a person has a substance abuse problem, the immediate family members are usually the first to recognize the problem. The addict will resist accept help, but sometimes they are open to having an independent evaluation. Parents who have children, may require an assessment of the parent suspected of drug use. Sometimes a husband is recommended to have an assessment of the drug use causes problems in the relationship.

Abuse Assessment for an employee

High absenteeism after the holidays, come to work drunk, erratic behavior, frequent and unpredictable mood swings are some of the situations that can cause an employer to suspect drug or alcohol abuse. Some companies require random drug screens, and a positive drug test will often create a need for a medication evaluation. An employer may have an independent substance abuse evaluation and require the employee to follow the recommendations as a condition of continued employment.

What is the process for a substance abuse Evaluation

First, the client will fill out some general assessments and have a one on one interview with the assessor. The interview is a series of questions and answers, and the evaluator will judge under the criteria of social use, abuse and dependence. Evaluators will compile the information in a written report. The report will include serious problems, general clinical criteria to support the evaluation, discussion of positive impression management and concludes with a summary and recommendations for the client. Then the evaluator will go over the evaluation with the customer, discuss the recommendations, and send the final written evaluation to the appropriate actors, such as customer and an attorney in the case of a DUI evaluation of substance abuse.

Evaluations are a very effective form of intervention on an addict. It can be an excellent service for the court, offering professional recommendations. It is a great service for employees and family members, as they will have a clear idea of ​​what is the level of disorder in the client. Like any evaluation, the ultimate effectiveness is based on the client following through on the recommendations, and the support network that holds them accountable to finalize the recommendations.