The assessment process and what to expect

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 A chemical use assessment evaluates a person’s use of alcohol and/or drugs. The assessment serves two primary purposes. First, the assessment is used to diagnose if there is a substance use disorders. Second, it is used to help provide an appropriate recommendation. During the assessment, a person will meet with a state licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC) who is specially trained to conduct the assessment. 

#1.  What should happen in an assessment?

• An alcohol or drug assessment is an interview between a client and an alcohol and other drug abuse assessor. 
  
• The assessment process should also include other additional tools such as an Adult Substance Use and Driving Survey - Revised (ASUDS-R); Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST); the Mortimer-Filkins Questionnaire; the Driver Risk Inventory (DRI); the Substance Abuse/Life Circumstance Evaluation (SALCE) or other nationally recognized assessment tool along with collecting collateral information.
  
• The assessor identifies the client's alcohol and other drug use [to determine if there is problematic use or not] and develops a recommended course of action for the client based on these findings.
  
• The final outcome will result in a recommendation to action.  Sometimes there are no recommendations at all.
  
• All recommendations should include the least restrictive options for the client.  Possible outcomes can range from no recommendations at all to an education class or to inpatient treatment.  Education should be the most common referral.
  

#2.  What should NOT happen in an assessment?

• Information should not be shared with anyone without your written permission.
  
• You should not be confused about why you have been recommended to complete some type of recommendation.
  
• A referral to treatment cannot happen without documentable evidence that supports a diagnosis of "Substance Use Disorder" according to the DSM5.
  

#3.  Who can do assessments in Minnesota?

• In Minnesota, an assessor must have a minimum credential of "Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor" or "LADC".   Check our credentials              . 
  
• This license must have been issued from the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy.
  
• Other mental health practitioners (LPC, LPCC, LMFT, LISCW) may have the proper credentials too, just ask first.
  

#4.  Even if it is covered, should I use my insurance?

• Anytime insurance pays for something it is "coded" so they know what they are paying for.  If insurance pays for an assessment it is coded as "dependent" on the drug involved.  For example: an assessment for a DWI is coded as "305.00 Alcohol Dependent".
  
• The existence of this "code" in your insurance file may create problems with future employment, entrance into the military and some insurance eligibility.
  

5.  Are there really people out there doing assessments that are NOT licensed?

• We believe that this does not happen.  In all the years we have been in business, we have never ran across someone that was scammed by an imposter.
  
• We believe that anyone warning you to watch out for this imposter is trying to create hype and fear with the hopes that you will use their services as a result.
  
  

 It is of paramount importance to complete the chemical use or rule 25 assessment at a a private and independent testing agency! This is because independent testing agencies work outside of the treatment industry, and therefore, are less biased with recommendations. If a person is seeking alcohol or drug treatment, the private evaluator will help that person get into the best treatment program available across the state. If a person is not seeking treatment or rehab, a private testing center will ensure that a person's wants and needs are taking into account - only referring for treatment when there is medical necessity.

Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of completing their assessment at a for-profit alcohol/drug treatment, near their home out of convenience. In a critical report on the drug treatment industry, The Center on Addiction points out that this can lead to disappointment and poorly done assessments, ineffective treatment, or unnecessary rehab. For one, the for-profit rehab has a financial incentive to recruit, and sometimes pressure, individuals into their rehab program – even when the rehab operates a poorly ran facility or the treatment is not medically appropriate. 

We are proud to have helped countless individuals achieve their goals. Read our patient testimonials to see how Freedom Chemical Health Services has made a difference in the lives of our patients.

Ready to learn more about how we can help? Contact Freedom Chemical Health  today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services. Our friendly staff is here to answer your questions and help you get started.  Call today:  651-646-1180