Online Driving School Blog

Why Undergoing a Drug and Alcohol Evaluation is a Great First Step Towards Sobriety

What is a drug and alcohol evaluation?

2745fd3f-3806-4ccf-9c7b-f18dcec67e26

Drug and alcohol evaluations are comprehensive examinations of a person's substance use to determine a diagnosis and make treatment recommendations. These drug and alcohol assessments examine the sort of substance used, how much is used each time, and how often it is used to provide ample information about a person's substance abuse history and their relationship to substances like drugs and alcohol. Evaluations like this provide a better understanding of a person's circumstances and the degree of their addiction or substance abuse. It may also assist in finding the ideal resolution to issues stemming from substance abuse, both legal and personal, and to know what approach to recovery is truly best for the individual.

 

In reality, all of the data acquired throughout a substance abuse evaluation may be utilized to assist someone who wishes to recover from addiction or wants to rethink their drug and alcohol use. However, evaluations like these are usually done for a variety of purposes. For example, evaluations for medical reasons are pretty common. On the other hand, these evaluations may also be court-ordered drug evaluations or alcohol assessments.

Remember, a drug and alcohol assessment is not meant to be a punishment and there should be no one who makes you think of it that way. It's an opportunity for medical substance abuse professionals to assist you in locating resources for recovery and therapy. They are not making any judgments about you. There should be no embarrassment or guilt associated with this process. A drug and alcohol assessment is a tool designed to identify substance abuse and addiction problems before they get out of hand and to avoid a scenario in which you harm yourself or others.

How does it work?

aae9bb60-88c8-4f7d-9551-fe8edfea2348

An interview, a screening, and a recommendation are all part of the procedure for determining whether or not someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol. At the end of the assessment, you'll also discuss recommendations and resources with the doctor or licensed professional as part of the drug or alcohol assessment procedure.

The first section is the interview. The drug and alcohol evaluation process usually starts with a medical professional interviewing their patient, which aids them in comprehending how long the person might have been addicted to alcohol or drugs and what substances they have used in the past. This conversation might also include a topic that addresses the patient's life, including any risky behaviors or other health issues linked to addiction.

After the interview is the assessment and screening stage. To help establish a formal diagnosis of a drug and alcohol use problem, doctors may utilize a variety of tools at this stage. Several types of questionnaires may be given to assess the severity of addiction, and these might include:

  • A “quick screen” tool that aims to assist medical personnel in identifying hazardous substance use at an early stage and intervening before it becomes out of control.
  • A brief "opioid risk" tool that, in under a minute, tells doctors if their patients are at higher risk for opioid addiction, particularly when pain medications are involved.
  • A screening tool created to assess the risk of addiction among those who are dealing with persistent pain.
  • A tool for assessing the health risk level of patients who use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
  • Other specialized testing instruments for both problematic alcohol and problematic drug use.

Doctors may also utilize their professional judgment and knowledge of their patients to assist them in making a diagnosis. They can obtain their medical records from prior doctors and even interview family members and friends of the patient to get the entire perspective.

The next stage of the alcohol and drug evaluation is the recommendations and resources section. This intervention phase is the last stage in the assessment process. In this step, the medical professional conducting the examination will make a formal decision. The expert will also provide information and assistance to the patient, including, if necessary, a referral to an addiction treatment program. This is where you begin your journey to sobriety, if it turns out that you are suffering from a substance or alcohol addiction.

It doesn't have to be a frightening and unpleasant experience to get an evaluation for drugs or alcohol. Take advantage of the procedure to learn more about addiction and discover the tools and resources you'll need to get clean or live healthier. You can start with seeing this encounter as an opportunity instead of avoiding it.

Why Do I Need This?

dccad30e-3ec3-467a-ab0a-96cc43692b0c

The first step in long-term recovery from a substance use disorder is an assessment that determines addiction. Clients will need to be thoroughly evaluated before a treatment strategy can be devised and therapy may begin. The questions asked by addiction specialists will differ depending on the patient's condition and stage of their addiction. The answers supplied by patients will have an impact on the type of therapy they receive. This is why you need to be as honest as you can.

During the addiction alcohol or drug evaluation, patients must be as open and honest as possible about their condition and any mental or physical issues they may be experiencing. Why is this important?

This is because, while it may be distressing, you have nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. Furthermore, no matter how skilled a healthcare provider is, they are only able to help you as much as you are willing to tell them about your condition. Always remember that treatment centers are not for moralizing; rather, they are a safe and non-judgmental environment filled with healthcare personnel dedicated to providing high-quality care with absolute empathy.

Get the help you need

5c28521e-3fa4-4949-b7e6-018e22ebdabe

NM Online Education will help you find the drug and alcohol assessment you need, whether it's because you simply want to examine your habits or a court has ordered you to get one. We can connect you with a professional, licensed drug or alcohol assessment provider in all 50 states in the country. NM Online also provides access to virtual drug and alcohol assessments to fulfill personal reflection or court demands. Furthermore, the NM Online platform features drug classes and DUI classes for those who want or need to take it a step beyond assessment. Drug and alcohol education are some of the most popular courses; therefore, enrolling as soon as possible is advised because they fill up fast. These internet alcohol and drug classes allow you to complete any court-mandated hours from the privacy of your own home.

Another excellent feature of the NM Online courses are that certificates are delivered immediately. Perhaps you're in a rush, or you simply want your certificate of completion so you can go to court with it in hand. You will receive an official certificate online or via mail as soon as you've completed the course.

The great thing about utilizing NM Online for the online assessment is that you have complete control over your learning process. Don't allow an in-class curriculum to put you off. Complete your course obligations at your leisure and at your own pace, whether you're using your phone during lunch breaks or a laptop in your own bed at home.

On top of that, you can also forget difficult, airless classrooms! You can complete your course from the comfort of your own house, during work breaks, at a coffee shop, in the park, or wherever. When it's easiest for you, use your phone, tablet, or laptop to meet your course requirements.

Thousands of students across the United States have used the resources found at NM Online to get a drug and alcohol assessment or to complete their court requirements efficiently and inexpensively. This is a well-known platform and a leader in sourcing substance abuse programs, traffic programs, as well as other services! Learn more about NM Online today and find the support you need to attain sobriety.

If you struggle with substance abuse and would like to get help, NM Online can connect you with the resources you need. Please call 877-358-4987 for information on treatment and rehab options.

How Taking a Defensive Driving Course Can Help You...
4 Tips To Help You Get Rid of a Traffic Ticket