Substance Abuse Evaluation

Every substance abuse evaluation will consist of a screening and assessment. Screening helps the evaluator understand whether substances are causing a problem in one’s life and whether their drug or alcohol use can be considered a substance use disorder. Substance use evaluations help specify the extent of, diagnosis, and adequate treatment for one’s substance use.

Substance Abuse Screenings include:

• Family History of Substance Use
• Substance Use History
• Legal, Social, and Work Consequences

Substance Abuse Assessments include:

• Review of Screening Results
• More in Depth Substance Use History
• Creation of a Treatment Plan

How Substance Abuse Assessments Are Used:

Substance abuse evaluations are typically used in the following ways:

Diagnosis and Assessment:

• Identify Substance Use Disorders: Evaluations help diagnose substance use disorders (SUDs) based on criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
• Assess Severity: They determine the severity of the disorder, ranging from mild to severe, by evaluating the frequency and amount of substance use, as well as associated behaviors and consequences.

Treatment Planning:

• Personalized Treatment Plans and Set Goals: Professionals develop individualized treatment plans tailored to the person’s needs based on the evaluation. This includes determining the level of care and treatment duration. Common levels of care that may be a part of a treatment plan include:
  • Medical Detox
  • Inpatient
  • Outpatient treatment
    • Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
    • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Evaluations are done collaboratively between the evaluator and the client, leaving the assessment with a better understanding of substances’ impact on the client’s life. Appropriate treatment can be facilitated from here, and accurate information can be provided to any parties requiring it.