Addiction to drugs and alcohol can prevent you from living the life you want to live. Compassionate, comprehensive addiction treatment can help you put addiction behind you and move forward into a healthier, more fulfilling future.
Since no two people have exactly the same needs during treatment and recovery, getting tailored treatment to help you reach your unique goals is essential. You must get a substance abuse evaluation before beginning an addiction treatment program. This critical step toward recovery allows your treatment team to provide better, more personalized treatment. The more personal your treatment is, the more likely it will be to help you recover–and remain sober for life.
If you or someone you love require a substance abuse assessment, contact the Arise Treatment Center specialists today to get started. Our caring specialists understand addiction and will work with you each step of the way until you meet your goals.
What are the Goals of a Substance Abuse Evaluation?
Better treatment means better outcomes in recovery. Before starting rehab, you will have a substance abuse evaluation that will help to shape the course of your treatment. A substance abuse evaluation is meant to identify your needs, risks, and potential complications, and to help your treatment team design a program that supports you as an individual.
The substance abuse assessment contains several sections, and the information you provide helps your treatment team understand the physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects of your addiction.
Generally, these assessments involve:
- Determining the scope and severity of your drug and alcohol use
- Identifying signs of psychological and physical dependence
- Identifying co-occurring disorders
- Assessing the risk of complications during treatment
- Recommending a level of care or type of treatment
- Verifying insurance plan details
Without a comprehensive assessment, your treatment team will be unable to address your specific needs or recommend the appropriate level of care. It is an essential step toward recovery that can save you time, energy, and challenges in the future.
What Happens During a Substance Abuse Assessment?
There are many providers and practitioners who can perform a substance abuse evaluation in California. However, choosing one who specializes in substance abuse care is crucial. An addiction specialist can recommend the right level of care and connect you with the programs and professionals who will support your recovery during treatment and beyond.
Many people undergo their assessment in an addiction treatment facility so that they can transition easily into a comprehensive treatment program.
A substance abuse evaluation consists of the following:
- Questions about your substance use–what substances you used, the frequency and amount you used, and withdrawal symptoms
- Your medical and mental health history, including prior treatment programs, medications, therapies, and medical procedures
- An assessment of your readiness to change
- An evaluation of your relapse risk
- Questions about your environment–how it may impact your recovery
- Verification of your insurance coverage and benefits–this can help you understand your out-of-pocket costs for treatment or help you make informed decisions about your care
In most cases, the first step of a substance abuse evaluation is assessing a person’s acute withdrawal risk. This allows the treatment team to determine if medically-supported detox is necessary. Evaluating withdrawal risk is a critical aspect of the assessment because without participating in a drug and alcohol detox program, many people relapse before experiencing a complete detox.
Honesty is important. Your treatment team needs to understand the severity of your addiction, any medical or mental health conditions you have, and other vital information so that they can keep you safe during treatment. This information also allows them to create a treatment plan that will work for you–and let you leave addiction in the past.
Do I Need a Substance Abuse Assessment?
Recognizing that you need substance abuse treatment can be difficult. People may live with substance abuse and addiction for a long time before seeking the treatment they need–but this can allow the problem to worsen.
It’s essential to understand some of the common signs of substance abuse and addiction. These include:
- Developing tolerance–needing more of the substance to get the same effect
- Spending a lot of time and energy getting, using, and recovering from the substance
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop using drugs or alcohol
- Isolating or spending time only with others who abuse substances
- Neglecting relationships and hobbies
- Being unable to keep up with responsibilities at home, work, or school
- Wanting to stop using drugs or alcohol but feeling like you can’t control it
- Engaging in risky behaviors when using drugs or alcohol, such as driving under the influence
- Facing social, legal, or financial trouble because of your substance use
- Being injured or experiencing medical problems as a result of your substance use
- Continuing to use drugs or alcohol despite negative consequences
If you or a loved one needs help, getting a substance abuse evaluation is a crucial first step that can set you on the path to lifelong recovery.
Find a Substance Abuse Evaluation in California Now
Do you or a loved one need a substance abuse assessment? Don’t wait another day for the treatment and support you need. Reach out to the compassionate specialists at Arise Treatment Center to learn about your treatment options.