Court ordered Substance Use / Alcohol Evaluations

These evaluations are an in-depth look into the scale of one's substance use for the purpose of making a diagnosis and recommendations for treatment. These evaluations look into the type of substance, the dosage, and the frequency with which it is being used to paint a picture of the  client's drug history. The evaluations will give a better idea of a substance abuser's circumstances,  and the depth of substance use. 

All the information gathered can be used to help someone overcome their addiction. When wanting to learn about someone's struggle with addiction, an evaluation is the best way to get accurate information. Evaluations are done for a number of reasons. 

1. Medical Purposes
2. Court orders
3. Domestic Violence (DV)
4. Child Custody

 and so on. Then there are some more less common reasons. But before addressing the "why", it is important to understand "how" all of this works. 

Screening: This is where we investigate if there is a problem. In the initial stage a person who does the procedure investigates if there is a problem. If there is a problem the answer will simply be yes or no. 

Assessment: The assessment is designed to determine what the problem is. This is the phase where drug tests might be required. *This information will come from the order set forth if you need a urine, or blood sample*.

Follow-Ups: A follow-up is only needed in the event treatment counseling is needed. This would depend on the results of the screening and the assessment. 

Final Phase: This final phase is the referral phase. This phase would recommend a treatment, or counselor to the Client. It would also depend on the results of the previous steps. 

A trained professional will conduct the screening. However, the screening phase can be conducted online as well with most evaluation sites. The people responsible for these evaluations are usually licensed professionals that specialize in understanding human behavior. Such as: Social workers, psychiatrists, therapist, nurses, doctors, and psychologists are just a few examples. 

The purpose of the screening phase is to find whether or not there is a condition to be treated. It also helps in finding if the person is at risk even if they haven't developed a disorder yet. Screening is in no way meant to diagnose a person, but it is supposed to find if there's a problem to begin with. 

Here are some commonly used questionnaires:

1. State-Made Inventory
2. Alcohol Use Inventory (AUI)
3. CAGE Questionnaire
4. Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI)

A drug evaluation for court or an alcohol evaluation for the court is something usually ordered by a judge. It is most often requested when a case involves substance abuse. It may also be part of the sentencing procedure according to the state the crime was committed. The cost varies in each state. 

An alcohol evaluation for court can be required in case of drunk driving, for instance. Most cases where an alcohol and drug evaluation for court might be needed are: driving under the influence (DUIs);disorderly conduct while intoxicated; possession of drugs or alcohol (this can apply to minors as well); public intoxication; drug trafficking or distribution; manufacturing and/or distribution of controlled substances; and/or use of fake IDs for purchase or consumption. 

• It might seem like an evaluation will get you into more trouble, but that simply isn't true. Not only is it the start of what could be a treatment process, but it might also benefit you legally as well. 
• Taking this test might show you are willing to cooperate. Also, it can help a judge tell what would be the right penalty for you. They might recommend counseling, classes, or courses that might help you and help your case in the future. 

Here are a few alternatives the judge might offer:

1. 12-Steps/AA/NA meetings or group therapy sessions
2. Substance abuse education classes
3. Counseling sessions
4. Rehabilitation program (inpatient or outpatient)
5. Random drug and/or  alcohol urine testing
6. Participating in a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program (RRP). 

Here at Healthy Minds we have the resources needed for addiction treatment and would like to help you have a smooth journey back to getting your life in order. Getting in trouble with the law is a red flag that something needs to change, and there is no better time to start than now. 

 Please make sure that you arrive at your appointment time with your photo ID, cash payment if you have not already paid in advance, and your probation officer, pretrial officer, or lawyer’s accurate fax/email information so we can forward the evaluation to the people who are requiring it.  

Turn around time for evaluations are 3-5 business days.

Rush Order will be an additional $50.00