How Long Does a Substance Abuse Evaluation Take? – Ruby Reflections Mental Health

What is a Drug and Alcohol Evaluation?

A substance abuse evaluation, which is also known as a drug and alcohol evaluation, is a psychological evaluation involving a certified addiction counselor or a mental health clinician. 
This is intended to decide whether an individual’s alcohol and/or drug use is an issue, measure the severity of the problem, and recognize any co-occurring mental health disorders. 
These drug alcohol evaluations are often needed by authorities such as courts, and private companies, or as a first step before being able to enter drug or alcohol treatment.
But how long does a substance abuse evaluation take? Let us walk you through it all.

How Long Does a Substance Abuse Evaluation Take

Time might be different and distinct, as the level of treatment and the patient’s lifestyle can significantly be a factor. 
Normally, such drug assessments are completed in a period of sixty to ninety minutes. 
However, in such cases, a comprehensive evaluation that involves inquiring the person about their drug usage history, mental health, and other factors related to the topic, could last for up to 2 hours. 

Components of the Evaluation

A drug and alcohol evaluation is usually a combination of the following:

1. Screening: In this first step, the involvement of the use of drugs and alcohol is examined. The method usually consists of a set of answering questions and other tools that are suited for use by professionals to search for addiction-related indications and reminders.
2. Assessment: The outcomes of the screening will determine if there is any cause for concern and if a more comprehensive drug assessment is needed. As part of a larger pattern, there are also times when mental health conditions, information about past illnesses, family-related addiction, and comorbid conditions are involved in the treatment of the participant.
3. Treatment Recommendations: Following the chemical dependency evaluation, the professional will come up with personalized treatment goals based on the results of the alcohol drug evaluation. Maybe, for example, your counselor might recommend outpatient counseling, inpatient rehabilitation, participation in support groups, or the utilization of other helpful interventions.

Aspects Influencing the Duration

Several factors can influence how long does a drug and alcohol assessment take:

• Use of Substance: A prolonged use of drugs and a wide variety of substances is what affects a user more. This causes the user to be well-evaluated. 
• Co-occurring Disorders: There is a nexus that comes with psychological challenges and addiction. Testing in this manner can lead to appropriate treatment and resolution of both conditions concurrently. 
• Legal or Employment Requirements: Types of assessments like court or employer-ordered might be required. Therefore, the length of the substance evaluation might be affected by compliance with the protocols of these tests.

What to Expect from Drug Rehab

Knowing what to expect from drug rehab will reduce the fear of the unknown and prepare for the recovery pathway:

• Personalized Treatment Plans: These plans are initiated after an individual has been assessed. Therefore, the factors that will shape the process are the type of substance used, period of addiction, and possibly co-occurring mental health disorder(s). 
• Therapeutic Modalities: The psychotherapies that are used for an individual are also very effective. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and therapeutic group and family counseling. 
• Aftercare Support: Rehabilitation is the main part of the whole process, but recovering addicts need aftercare as well. This is where they continue counseling, attend groups, and get material.

Recovery Check In Questions

Regular self-assessment is crucial in maintaining sobriety. The following are some recovery check in questions that you can ponder:

1. Your emotional health: How am I emotionally today? Are some of my feelings left unresolved and need attention?
2. Triggers and cravings: Did I cope well with the triggers or cravings? Have I confronted them in the right manner?
3. Support system: Am I engaging with my support network like attending meetings or connecting with a sponsor?
4. Self-care: Am I taking care of my health by eating well, exercising and resting enough?
5. Goals and progress: Am I making the necessary plans and strategies to make the changes I want to see? What have I done so far on my path to recovery?

To Conclude

The substance abuse evaluation is, without any doubt, an essential step in SUD identification and treatment.
Awareness of how long does a substance abuse evaluation take, plus the knowledge of the procedures involved would lead to a less harsh perception of it and, in a way, a more welcoming approach.
Treatment is of utmost importance to ensure that the situation is not exacerbated to the point of no return. 
So, the first thing to do would be to make an appointment for a substance abuse evaluation. 
Then, adhering to the treatment protocol, one should make contact with support groups to intensively become involved in the community and thus, enjoy the outcomes of a successful recovery.

Where to Get a Substance Abuse Evaluation Near Me

If you or your dear one are addicted to alcohol or drugs, then you should take action and contact a professional as soon as possible. 
Therefore, it is necessary to start the treatment with a chemical dependency evaluation to assess the current situation. 
It is advisable to strictly comply with the prescribed treatment plan and get involved in support group activities to achieve a successful recovery.

At Ruby Reflections Mental Health, we offer personalized treatment plans that help individuals regain control of their lives. 
Contact us to get booked for your substance abuse evaluation and treatment. 
It could be the first step you have to take to live a life without substance dependence and be in the best of health ever.

FAQs

Do employment drug tests check for alcohol?

Employment drug tests usually search for substances like:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Opiates
• Amphetamines
• Phencyclidine 

The presence of alcohol during employment drug tests normally occurs if it is a safety-sensitive job or the employer has suspicions of employees using drugs or drinking alcohol.

Does a drug test also test for alcohol?

Standard drug tests do.