Substance use evaluations are evaluations completed by a trained alcohol and substance use clinician with the purpose of determining the extent of any alcohol and/or substance use concerns. When a person struggles with alcohol or other substances, they may not understand the full impact of such substances on their life. Often a substance use evaluation can help shed light on these impacts and can offer recommendations for treatment.

Some of the areas that might be impacted by someone with an alcohol or substance use disorder include strained relationship with friends and family, decreased performance at school or work, negative impact on health, and possible legal involvement. Addiction carries with it shame, which leads to isolation and continued substance use, often this isolation keeps the person stuck in a cycle of addiction. A substance use evaluation might be the first step for that person to get the support that they are needing. Sometimes these evaluations are a requirement from the judicial system connected to sentencing.

During the substance use evaluation, the clinician will learn more about the impact of alcohol and substances on the person’s life, and get a better understanding of other areas including family, physical health, mental health, education, employment, and legal system involvement. After the interview, there is a self-administered assessment, which will determine the probability of an alcohol or substance use disorder. The clinician will compile the data from the assessment and interview into a report summarizing what was shared, the results of the assessment, and recommendations for further support.