Substance Abuse Evaluations: Why They Matter and What to Expect

What to Expect During the Evaluation

The entire evaluation process typically takes a few hours. Specifics might vary depending on your facility, but here’s what you can generally expect:

• Intake: You’ll start by filling out paperwork with basic information about yourself, such as your contact information and medical history.
• Clinical interview: You’ll have a private conversation with an addiction treatment professional where you discuss any topics relevant to the condition you’re seeking treatment for.
• Questionnaires and tests: You might be asked to fill out questionnaires that assess the severity of your dependence, your mental health, and the impact of substance use on your life. Some programs might also test for the presence of substances in your system. 
• Physical exam: While not always included, some evaluations include a physical exam by a healthcare professional. This is to assess any physical health problems potentially caused by substance use. The doctor will likely check your vital signs, look for signs of withdrawal, and examine your general physical health.
• Review and recommendations: After the evaluation is complete, the evaluator will discuss the results with you, explain their findings, and recommend next steps.

Preparing for a Substance Abuse Evaluation

Coming prepared for your evaluation can save time, ease your stress, and ensure you provide your treatment team with complete, accurate information. 

Gathering Documentation

Check with your rehab’s admissions team about which documentation you need to bring:

• Medical records: If you have any medical records related to your substance use, such as hospital visits or doctor’s notes, bring them along.
• List of current medications: Make a list of all the prescription medications you’re currently taking.
• Treatment history: If you’ve been treated for substance use in the past, information like discharge summaries or treatment center reports can help inform your current treatment experience.

Don’t worry if you can’t find everything—just bring what you have. What’s most important is to be open and honest during the evaluation process.

Mental and Emotional Preparation

Substance abuse evaluations can get into some pretty personal details about your past, so it helps to take a moment beforehand to mentally and emotionally prepare. Expect to answer open-ended questions that encourage you to share your experiences honestly.

There’s no shame in talking through your experiences. Doing so as candidly as possible helps your treatment team design an effective plan. Remember: they’re not doing this to judge you, but to give you the best help they can. 

Addiction treatment is confidential, and that includes your initial evaluation. The information you share will be kept private according to HIPAA regulations, with some exceptions like potential harm to yourself or others. If you have any concerns about confidentiality, don’t hesitate to ask the staff directly.

After the Evaluation

Receiving Results

Once the addiction evaluation process is complete, the evaluator will usually discuss their findings with you right away. They’ll explain the diagnosis, recommend the next steps, and address any questions or concerns.

Next Steps

The results of your evaluation will guide the path forward. Here are some potential next steps:

• Addiction treatment: If you have a substance use disorder, the evaluator will likely recommend starting treatment. They can discuss various treatment options with you, such as inpatient or outpatient programs, and help you find a program that best suits your needs.
• Additional testing: In some cases, the evaluator might recommend further testing. This could involve seeing a specialist for a mental health assessment or undergoing additional medical tests to rule out any underlying physical conditions that might prevent you from participating in an addiction treatment program.
• Referral to specialists: If you have a special need, your treatment team might refer you to other specialists for additional support. This could include, for example, medically supervised detox at a recommended detox center or a psychiatrist for medication management.

Finding and Choosing an Addiction Treatment Provider

When you’re ready to start treatment, finding the right program can make a world of difference. Here are some tips to help you choose a rehab that’s the right fit:

• Treatment focus: Are you looking for treatment for a specific condition, or a program with specific therapies? Consider what type of program best suits your needs.
• Credentials and staff: Take a look at the staff’s certifications and specializations. Look for experienced professionals with expertise in the areas you need to focus on.
• Insurance coverage: Verify if the program accepts your insurance and find out what your out-of-pocket costs will be.
• Location and amenities: Consider factors like the facility’s location, amenities, and the overall treatment environment. Does it feel comfortable and conducive to your recovery?
• Reviews and recommendations: Read online reviews from past clients and seek recommendations from trusted sources like your therapist or primary care doctor.

Finding Solutions Together

The purpose of a substance abuse evaluation is simple: it’s how rehabs gather information on their patients, so they can help them. Once this in-depth assessment is complete, you’ll have a much clearer picture of your problems related to substance abuse—which is the first step to identifying the most effective solutions.

A comprehensive addiction treatment program can help you treat the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of your addiction, as well as uncover what’s driving it. Let this pivotal experience be a turning point in your life that puts you on the path to healing. 

To find a program that meets your needs, search for rehabs by location, insurance accepted, and more, and reach out to a center directly today.