Substance Abuse Assessment

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A Substance Abuse Assessment is a structured clinical evaluation of a person’s alcohol and drug use, related consequences, current needs, and possible need for education or treatme nt. The purpose is not to assume that every person has an addiction or automatically place someone into treatment. The assessment helps TKC Turning Point develop an individualized, clinically appropriate recommendation based on the information available. Assessments may be completed voluntarily or in response to a referral from a court, probation officer, attorney, employer, treatment provider, or another professional. Assessment Details Cost: $80 Approximate duration: 60 minutes Includes a written questionnaire Includes a clinical interview with a trained TKC Turning Point counselor Includes a discussion of findings and recommendations Includes a synopsis following the assessment What Does the Assessment Evaluate? The counselor may review: Current and past alcohol or drug use Frequency, amount, and patterns of use The circumstances leading to the assessment Legal, employment, family, health, or relationship consequences Previous efforts to reduce or stop using substances Symptoms of tolerance, withdrawal, cravings, or loss of control Previous education, counseling, or treatment Mental-health, medical, and behavioral considerations Current medications and other relevant health information Recovery supports, living environment, and available resources Motivation and readiness to make changes The possible need for education, counseling, treatment, or another referral The specific areas discussed will depend on the client’s circumstances and reason for referral. What Purpose Does the Assessment Serve? The assessment helps answer questions such as: Is substance use currently creating a significant problem? Would education, counseling, or more structured treatment be appropriate? Are additional services or evaluations indicated? What level and duration of intervention would best fit the client’s needs? Is no additional substance-use service recommended based on the available information? The assessment is a decision-making process—not a predetermined route into treatment. Possible Recommendations Depending on the findings, recommendations may include: No additional substance-use services Alcohol or drug education A brief intervention Individual counseling Outpatient group counseling A more comprehensive substance-use treatment program Mental-health or medical evaluation Additional assessment or referral to another provider Recovery-support or relapse-prevention services Purchasing an assessment does not guarantee any particular recommendation. For Court-Referred and Probation-Referred Clients Clients should be prepared to explain the circumstances that led to the referral and provide accurate information about their alcohol and drug use. When TKC Turning Point has an appropriate written authorization, an assessment synopsis and recommendations may be provided to a probation officer, court, attorney, employer, or other authorized referral professional. TKC protects client confidentiality and does not release assessment information without appropriate authorization except when disclosure is otherwise permitted or required by law. Important Expectations The quality of the assessment depends on complete and accurate information. Recommendations may be limited when relevant information, records, or referral details are unavailable. Completing or paying for an assessment does not: Guarantee that no treatment will be recommended Guarantee that treatment will be recommended Constitute completion of a treatment program Guarantee acceptance by a court or referring authority Guarantee dismissal of charges, reduced supervision, license reinstatement, or any other legal outcome Courts, probation departments, employers, licensing authorities, and other referral sources determine whether an assessment satisfies their requirements. What Happens After the Assessment? After completing the questionnaire and clinical interview, the counselor will review the findings and discuss any recommendations with the client. If services are recommended, TKC Turning Point will explain the proposed next steps. When appropriate, clients may receive services through TKC or be referred to another provider better suited to their needs. New to TKC Turning Point? New clients must complete TKC Turning Point’s three-step registration process so we have the information and authorizations needed to begin services. Complete the Three-Step New Client Registration Show more