Clinical Substance Abuse Evaluation in Richmond, VA

What is a Clinical Substance Abuse Evaluation?

A clinical substance abuse evaluation is an assessment process carried out by a counselor, social worker, therapist, or other professional to determine if the client has a diagnosable problem with alcohol or drugs. A qualified professional can perform a drug assessment at any time. Still, they often result from a legal situation such as a DUI or child custody matter, an intervention by friends and family, or a workplace situation.

The service may also be called a drug and alcohol evaluation and classifies the client’s use into one of three categories. Substance use can be either social, abuse, or dependence.

The social use of alcohol or drugs is moderate or occasional. The social user doesn’t suffer any serious consequences from it and maintains the ability to function normally.

The abuse of alcohol or drugs is regularly using those substances, but the amount may or may not be excessive. Abusers suffer some consequences but may be fully functional in their everyday lives. Drug abuse may eventually interfere with relationships, work, health, or legal issues.

The user who is dependent on drugs or alcohol uses the substance of choice regularly and to excess. The dependence causes the person to use the drug or drink no matter the impact on the rest of their lives. Not only do people using the substance suffer, but those around them do as well, including spouses, children, and other loved ones.

If the clinical substance abuse evaluation finds that the client does have a problem with alcohol or drugs, the professional makes a diagnosis and develops an individualized treatment plan.

What Should I Expect from a Clinical Substance Abuse Evaluation?

A clinical substance abuse evaluation involves interviews, written assessments, a medical history, and a detailed review of the drug use. It has two parts, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The screening portion asks whether it is possible that a problem is present and looks for a yes or no answer.

If the screening answer is yes, then the assessment process comes next and describes the problem’s extent. Assessment yields a diagnosis, which leads to a treatment plan.

While it may be stressful, a clinical substance drug evaluation doesn’t have to be a negative experience. It is a straightforward process that provides the client, family, and others with what is happening and the available treatments. Clients who hold themselves accountable and have a healthy support system are often successful in recovery, but the client must be honest about all of the factors that figure into substance use. Since those factors are different for every person, it can be a painful self-discovery and disclosure process. However, the result can be a positive and transformative one. If you’re ready to change your life, contact Casselton Consultants.

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