Have you realized you have a problem with alcohol or drugs and decided to get help in a rehab or detox facility? If so, congratulations. You’re taking the first step toward recovery and regaining your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. You may be wondering what the first steps are when you begin your journey. In most cases, when you first enter detox or rehab, you will be given a drug and alcohol evaluation or assessment.
Here is more information on what is involved in a drug and alcohol evaluation so you will know what to expect.
Why Are Drug and Alcohol Assessments Important?
An alcohol and drug assessment is vital to help you understand the risks involved with drug and alcohol use. It’s also important so your counselors, therapists, or others involved in your recovery have all the information they need regarding your past and present use of substances, your family history of substance use, and whether or not any other mental health conditions are contributing to your substance use. The end goal of the assessment is to pinpoint the problem you are experiencing and to identify possible solutions.
What to Expect During an Assessment
During your drug and alcohol evaluation, you will be asked a number of questions about the history of your substance use including when and how much alcohol and drugs you’ve used in the past and how much you use now. You will also be asked about the types of substances you use and problems—both physical and mental—that have resulted.
Your healthcare professional will also ask about family history of substance use or abuse and if you or any members of your immediate family have experienced mental health disorders. To make a full assessment, your doctor will also look at your treatment history, any previous tests you have undergone, your psychological assessment history, and any employment information that is related.
Preparing for Your Evaluation
Your healthcare provider will inform you of any documentation or other information they need to complete your assessment. It’s important to give them anything they ask for so they can get a complete picture of your current situation. You will also need to be prepared to answer all their questions as truthfully as possible. Lying about your substance use will only hinder your treatment and make it less likely that you will make a full recovery.
The Next Steps After a Drug and Alcohol Evaluation
Your drug and alcohol assessment will likely take anywhere from one to two hours. What happens after an evaluation is largely based on why you were given the assessment in the first place. For example, if this was a court-mandated assessment, a judge may require you to undergo a certain length of treatment. If your family or doctor requested the evaluation, they may request that you enter a treatment facility or undergo therapy.
Is a Drug and Alcohol Evaluation Right for You?
If someone else in your life has not ordered a drug and alcohol assessment for you, you may still get one for yourself if you believe you are engaging in risky substance use behavior. This is the first step toward treatment and regaining your mental and physical health
