Alcohol & Substance Abuse Assessment

There are a number of different ways to achieve a relatively accurate alcohol and substance abuse assessment. Services provided by treatment facilities either online, over the phone or in writing offer self-surveys with questions about daily habits and use of alcohol and other drugs. These services can be helpful if someone is trying to figure out if he/she has a problem or not.

Other alcohol and substance abuse assessment services occur once a patient has checked into treatment and an individualized recovery plan is being created. The initial assessment lets staff and counselors know about the patient’s specific issues, needs and problems along with any other relevant information. The assessment process is meant to make each person an individual rather than just another treatment patient.

Upon arrival to a treatment facility the patient will be taken into an interview with intake staff and questions about the person’s background, family history, drug and alcohol use, and behavioral patterns will most likely be asked. All of a patient’s information in the interview and otherwise is confidential, meaning it cannot be disclosed without the person’s permission. Keeping a person’s information confidential is one of the cornerstones of a trusting patient-therapist relationship. Over time the addict is asked to shared detailed information about the past but at his or her own discretion. A person will never be forced to share any information that is too personal or uncomfortable.

The assessment will also give the patient a chance to release feelings and air any other concerns that may be arising during the initial intake process. Often, people feel homesick and while they may not be feeling physical cravings for drugs or alcohol, experience the psychological obsession that takes longer to dissipate. During the assessment process patients will be asked to specify their drugs of choice and specific issues they want to deal with during their stay with us.

The Gulf Coast Recovery intake staff take their responsibilities very seriously and want to make sure that they provide each patient with a comfortable and safe environment. Honesty is essential throughout the treatment process and we believe that by starting upon arrival patients have a better chance of opening up entirely. By changing attitudes, beliefs and lifestyles we make lasting sobriety a possibility. Addiction is a painful cycle to overcome and if you or someone you love has a substance abuse problem; please do not be afraid to get help. Call us today and find out more about your options.