Chemical Health and AODA Assessment

The assessment is where you begin; it’s the first step in your journey. If you are unsure if you have a problem, take a moment and ask yourself the following questions:

• Have you ever tried to cut down or change the types of alcohol or chemicals you use?
• Do you ever become angry, frustrated, or feel defensive when someone suggests that you may be using too much?
• Do you feel guilt or remorse around your actions during or after you use?
• Do you use alcohol or chemicals to make things seem more manageable?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, or you feel concerned about your use, an assessment may be beneficial in understanding your relationship with chemicals and how it is impacting your life.

Reasons People get an assessment

Assessments can be completed due to your own concern around your chemical and/or alcohol use; request from a concerned family member or friend; a mandate from an attorney, judge, or probation officer; or after a situation at work or school.

What is a Chemical Health Assessment?

A Chemical Health Assessment gathers clinical information from a comprehensive face-to-face interview to gather information around your history of alcohol and chemical use, previous treatments you may have had, significant medical concerns, mental health concerns, consequences due to your use (such as legal, employment, financial, relationships), living environment, and sources of support and resources. The purpose is to understand what you are using and the impact it may have had on your life. The face-to-face appointment will last 1 ½ to 2 hours. During this interview you will be asked to complete 2-3 releases of information for individuals in your life who would be beneficial to speak to in order to gain further information and understanding around your chemical use and consequences due to your use.

Recommendations

Once all the clinical data is gathered to substantiate an accurate diagnosis a recommendation will be made, if appropriate. Recommendations may include: no treatment, education classes, individual counseling, family and/or couples counseling, outpatient treatment, or residential treatment. These recommendations are based on what would be clinically best based on the continuum of dependency (based on clinical evaluation criteria); however, it is your choice to follow through with these recommendations.

For more information on our counseling services and scheduling, please contact us to schedule today.