Regardless of the circumstances, drug and alcohol assessments can be nerve-wracking. If the judge recently ordered you to complete one, don’t panic! It’s true that they vary based on your situation and location, but most have a similar structure. Understanding this can demystify it for you and take the fear out of completing this step in your legal process and personal progress.
General Structure
First, it’s important to remember that an assessment is different than a screening. A screening determines whether or not you need an assessment. An assessment is a way to define and diagnose the suspected problem so that the counselor can formulate a plan of treatment for you.
Most drug and alcohol assessments begin with the counselor reviewing paperwork and documentation provided to him or her by you or your attorney regarding your particular circumstances. These documents might include your driving record, documentation from your physician or workplace, your criminal record, and/or your arrest report.
Once they’ve been reviewed, you will be required to answer simple questions about your personal and family history and history of substance use. These questions may be oral, written, or both. Your answers to these questions will help determine your course of treatment. Remember that it’s important to be honest, especially when a judge mandates your assessment. Your answers are not to incriminate you but to satisfy the requirements of the law and develop a treatment program specific to your needs.
Outcomes of Drug and Alcohol Assessments
The outcome of your assessment will either determine that you are not dependent on drugs and/or alcohol, have a potential for abuse, or are chemically dependent. Based on these results, the counselor will recommend a course of treatment that will satisfy the judge’s requirements. Your attorney can help you proceed with your treatment plan, as well.
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Plans
Based on the outcome of your assessment, the treatment plan recommended to you by your counselor could range from one or two classes to one to two years in a treatment program. While it’s likely that none of these plans sounds favorable, it’s important to be proactive about your treatment. Following through with drug and alcohol assessments and resulting counseling sessions or programs will help to prove to the judge that you’re taking discipline seriously and are motivated to move forward. Keep in mind that your attorney can explain what to expect from your specific plan of treatment.
Drug and alcohol assessments aren’t an enjoyable prospect, but having a better idea of what to expect can help ease your fear going into the process. Being proactive about your assessment and treatment will benefit you in the long run, especially in the eyes of the judge. For specific questions about your exact assessment procedure, what to expect from the written and/or oral test, your outcome, and your treatment plan, consult your attorney. He or she will be there to help you every step of the way.