Substance use disorder is a common problem plaguing society. 37.9% of 20.3 million substance use addicts also suffer from some form of mental illness. This phenomenon is known as a co-occurring disorder. Understanding substance abuse disorders with mental illness can be pretty challenging. Symptoms of one condition often mask the symptoms of another, making diagnosis difficult.
Mental health experts must first carry out a comprehensive substance use assessment to ensure an effective, tailor-made recovery plan. This guide will help you understand the comprehensive substance use evaluation and how it sets the tone for the patient’s recovery process.
How Does Comprehensive Substance Use Assessment Work?
When you choose a substance abuse assessment near me, you will meet with a professional, licensed addiction counselor. The counselor will establish whether your drug or alcohol abuse is the problem through a comprehensive, thorough, and introspective plan. The counselor will assess the following factors to decide if you fall into the social substance use, substance abuse, or substance dependency category:
- Psychological assessment
- Substance and alcohol use/abuse screening
- Lab and toxicology tests to detect the presence of drugs or alcohol
- Consultation with family regarding substance and alcohol use/abuse
Screening vs. Assessment
Substance use assessment differs from screening in that while the latter only establishes the presence or absence of the problem, in this case, drug use, the former will display the extent of the problem, i.e., whether you use drugs/alcohol in moderation or socially, or have an addiction that requires treatment.
Interpreting the Results
Once the tests and evaluation are complete, your addiction counselor will determine:
1) If you have an addiction problem
2) If the kind of rehabilitation program you need to achieve addiction recovery with minimal to no chances of a relapse.
The Importance of Choosing Substance Use Evaluation Near Me
Substance abuse evaluation is essential if you think you might be on the verge of a alcohol or drug addiction. Moreover, a substance abuse assessment will help the counselor understand your mental, physical and physiological condition to draft a recovery plan tailored to your needs.
Other than that, substance abuse assessment may also be required in certain legal situations like DUI, driving under the influence or DWI, or driving while intoxicated. Employers may also require substance abuse assessments if they suspect their employee has an addiction. Some signs of addiction include erratic behavior, high absenteeism, failing random drug tests, and drinking on the job.
You may also consider substance abuse assessment if a loved one refuses to seek addiction treatment but is open to evaluation. This might be your child, a parent, or anyone you care about. It can often be hard to distinguish between moderate drug and alcohol use and drug and alcohol abuse, and many addicts remain in denial. This can prove costly for them in the long run. In such an instance, take them to get a substance abuse assessment near me so they can hear from a professional that they need help.
Get an Early Diagnosis
Choosing a substance use evaluation near me can help you reach an early diagnosis. If your counselor establishes you have an addiction, they will create a recovery plan to treat the condition you’re battling. This assessment increases the chances of success, ensuring you get your life back on track in no time.
