Substance Abuse Evaluations: What to Expect and Where to Get One

Drug and alcohol abuse and addiction can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Addiction can harm a person’s body, mind, relationships, and ability to function. It can quickly become a life-threatening condition. People who live with substance use disorder (SUD) typically require intensive treatment and support to overcome this condition.

A substance abuse evaluation may be the first step in a person’s recovery journey. This evaluation explores a person’s mental health, substance use, and other aspects of well-being and is essential to determining which types and levels of care are necessary.

This article will explore what a substance abuse evaluation is and where to find one. You will learn:

• The goals of a substance abuse assessment
• What to expect during the evaluation
• How to determine if you need a SUD evaluation
• Where to find an evaluation and treatment in Florida

If you or someone you love needs treatment or support to overcome SUD, you are not alone. Contact the Solutions Healthcare specialists to explore our holistic treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

What is a Substance Abuse Evaluation?

A substance abuse assessment is a form of screening. This assessment can determine the severity of a person’s addiction. It also identifies medical and mental health conditions that may impact detox, treatment, and recovery.

A person may undergo a substance abuse eval before beginning a detox or treatment program. Sometimes, a probation officer or judge may order someone to obtain this type of screening.

What Happens During a Substance Abuse Assessment?

A substance use assessment is a screening that evaluates alcohol or drug misuse. This assessment can determine the severity of a person’s substance use and identify factors that can support or complicate recovery.

A substance abuse eval may be the first step of a person’s recovery journey. During the assessment, a medical or addiction specialist will use the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) to evaluate the severity of a person’s addiction. This screening tool looks at employment, relationships, health, and other aspects of a person’s life.

A substance abuse evaluation may also include:

• A complete medical history, including information about prescription medications a person takes, known medical conditions, and more
• An evaluation of a person’s willingness to change
• Questions about past and current substance use
• A mental health history, including known diagnoses, prescription medications, history of hospitalization, and more
• Information about the person’s environment, including who lives in the home, exposure to triggers, support in the community, and more

The screening results can help medical and mental health professionals understand a person’s treatment needs. This evaluation can guide treatment and help people have the best chance at success in recovery.

What is the Goal of a Substance Abuse Evaluation?

The ultimate goal of a substance abuse eval is to determine what medical and mental health treatment people need during detox and treatment. This type of evaluation can provide information about a person’s support networks, mental health, substance use patterns, and more.

Other goals of a substance abuse eval include:

• Verifying insurance coverage
• Identifying the need for dual-diagnosis treatment
• Determining the severity of an addiction
• Identifying symptoms of physical dependence or psychological addiction

People must undergo a substance abuse assessment before starting treatment. It is critical to understand a person’s needs and strengths to form an effective treatment plan.

Recovering from addiction can be challenging. People living with substance use disorder (SUD) typically need intensive treatment to stop using drugs or alcohol. Many require long-term support to avoid relapse. Learn more about the goals of a substance abuse eval by contacting Solutions Healthcare today.

Do I Need a Substance Abuse Assessment?

A substance use assessment can help people identify SUD, as well as mental and physical health issues that affect treatment. Some signs you need an assessment include:

• Needing to use more of a substance to get the desired effects
• Having cravings for drugs or alcohol
• Spending a lot of time and energy getting, using, and recovering from using drugs or alcohol
• Isolating more, or only spending time with people when using drugs or alcohol
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop using drugs or alcohol
• Neglecting your relationships, responsibilities, and hobbies because of substance use
• Having legal, social, or financial trouble related to your substance use
• Doing risky things while using drugs or alcohol, such as driving or having unprotected sex
• Wanting to stop using a substance but feeling like you can’t do it on your own

It can be challenging to recover from addiction. However, having an assessment is the first critical step of the recovery process. A substance abuse eval can help you get the right therapies and level of care to support your lifelong recovery journey.

Find Assessment and Treatment Now

If you or a loved one struggles with substance use or addiction, treatment is available at Solutions Healthcare. Find compassionate, comprehensive programs and support by contacting our intake specialists today.