Drug and Alcohol Assessment in Bradley County, TN.
If you or someone you know is facing legal trouble in Bradley County, TN related to drugs or alcohol, you may be required to take a drug and alcohol assessment. This comprehensive assessment tool is used as a stepping stone toward resolving drug or alcohol concerns that legal entities may have. These tools are also used to determine the appropriate course of action by a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor. Though this procedure is standard in many legal proceedings, many wonder what to expect during a drug and alcohol assessment.
Tucker Counseling Services is the leading provider of drug and alcohol assessments throughout Bradley County, TN. With over 8 years in the substance abuse treatment field, our staff of licensed addiction professionals have a proven track record of quality work. We are committed to providing our clients with a host of thorough drug and alcohol treatment services. Contact Tucker Counseling Services today to learn more about our drug and alcohol assessments and other substance abuse treatment services.
What is a Drug and Alcohol Assessment?
A drug and alcohol assessment is a tool used by addiction professionals to determine the presence of a substance use disorder. Often, a legal, employment, or other outside entity will seek to enquire about a person’s past and present drug or alcohol use. This inquiry is typically used to recommend future proceedings. Since many of these entities do not possess the qualifications to make these recommendations, they will outsource these tasks to a licensed professional.
Drug Screen vs Drug Assessment
Though they will often be used interchangeably, a drug screen and a drug assessment are different. A drug screen is a tool used to gather information about current drug use. This information is often acquired by laboratory testing of a person’s blood, breath, or urine. These samples are collected and processed to determine the presence of an illicit or unwanted substance.
Though a screening may be involved in the assessment process, drug and alcohol assessments involve questions given by a licensed professional to determine both past and present drug use. Drug and alcohol assessments will also cover a host of other areas including:
Work History
Trauma History
Family History
Legal History
Mental Health Status
What to expect from a Drug and Alcohol Assessment?
Typically a drug and alcohol assessment will consist of two main components. These include:
Questionnaire and Interview
During this phase of the assessment, a licensed clinician will ask a series of questions related to a patient’s history with drugs or alcohol. These questions will involve the age of first use as well as the client’s current relationship with each illicit substance. Throughout this time the assessor will also gather information concerning a client’s family dynamics, legal history, and any other areas of value to make a qualified assessment.
Recommendation
After completing the questionnaire portion of the assessment, clinicians will then discuss recommendations concerning the treatment and the next steps for the person being assessed. Clinicians will also discuss details with clients including:
Who should the assessment be sent to?
Acquiring necessary confidentiality releases.
Providing resources for treatment.
Why do legal entities require drug and alcohol assessments in Bradley County, TN?
Drug and alcohol assessments in Bradley County, TN are often used by legal entities to assess a person’s history of substance use. They are also used as a tool to decide on current courses of action for treatment or future sentencing options. These assessments provide crucial details to ensure the fair treatment of clients as well as accurate sentencing. Drug and alcohol assessments can be used in the following ways:
By a judge to determine sentencing.
By a probation officer to determine legal action.
By a treatment center to determine a treatment plan.
By an attorney to ensure their client is fairly sentenced in court.
By the Department of Children’s Services to determine the appropriateness of custody.
By a friend or family member to help establish a need or lack of need for treatment.
How to prepare for a Drug and Alcohol assessment in Bradley County, TN?
There is no real way to prepare for an assessment. Clinicians will simply ask questions related to your history of substance use and its related factors. Though these details may be uncomfortable to relay, a greater level of honesty will produce the most accurate assessment.
How do I get a drug and alcohol assessment in Bradley County, TN?
To get a drug and alcohol assessment in Bradley County, TN, simply contact Tucker Counseling Services. Our licensed substance abuse counselors are specially trained to provide clients with the highest level of accuracy in our assessment services. We are committed to fair pricing with each procedure without compromising quality. Our clinicians are committed to providing accurate information in a timely fashion so our clients can receive the fair treatment they deserve. Contact Tucker Counseling Services today to begin your assessment.
