Drug Evaluations in Alabama

 If you have been charged with an alcohol or drug-related crime in Alabama you may need to complete a court-ordered evaluation. These evaluations typically need to be done in person to be accepted by the courts. In Alabama, with virtually every case involving the use of drugs or alcohol, the courts will ask that you comply with a drug or alcohol assessment and evaluation from a state-certified treatment center. This helps the court to determine if deferred prosecution is something that the defendant will benefit from. The evaluation is designed not only to serve as a determining factor as to rehabilitation requirements but also to help the treatment center determine what would better help the defendant who is facing charges for drug or alcohol-related crimes.

The court may provide you with a copy of the treatment centers in your county that are certified by the courts to conduct the evaluations. We also can provide you with a list of treatment centers that can help with this. Before beginning any assessment, we strongly recommend that you give us a call to ensure that you are informed as to what to expect and the possible outcomes that you may face when the center makes its recommendations. Our addiction specialists can help you locate the best center that does evaluations for your county in Alabama. Being informed is going to help you understand the science behind the evaluation and possibly help you avoid a horrific outcome and consequences laid down by the courts of Alabama.

We know that facing potentially serious consequences can be stressful, to say the least. It is natural to have questions about what you should expect to go through during your evaluation for the courts, family, work, or personal reasons in Alabama. 

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How To Start an Evaluation

Starting the process for a drug or alcohol evaluation for a DWI conviction is pretty straightforward. However, there are a few things to consider before starting the process. You will need to have your arrest records, a copy of your driving records, and a copy of the arresting officer’s report. These records can either be forwarded to the center before the interview or brought with you depending on the requirements of the center. You may also be subjected to a urinalysis evaluation depending on the recommendations of the court.

Often when you enter into a deferred prosecution program for DUI, DWI, or driving while intoxicated, you will be mandated by the courts to comply with their diversion program outlines. These usually consist of a reduced sentencing, if compliance with the guidelines of the program is met, along with a probationary period for monitoring the progress made within the guidelines that the treatment center has outlined in their recommendations for treatment or counseling. 

What questions will the person conducting the drug evaluation ask?

Some of the questions asked on the evaluation can vary from county to county, in Alabama, but for the most part, they are typically all the same evaluation. Some of the questions can be misleading and it is better to be prepared before blindly going in to get your drug or alcohol assessment. The evaluation consists of a written portion and also a question and answer with a counselor. The counselor will make their findings and recommendations to the court in Alabama. Depending on your oral answers, and written questionnaire, the counselor will also take into account your criminal history and the arrest report. This recommendation will be passed to the county court where the infraction took place.

A standardized Alabama drug assessment form usually consists of:
* 1-2 hours of time spent 1-1 with a counselor in a face-to-face assessment session.
* Screenings and medical record reviews for mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders that may be of concern.
* Follow-up sessions are usually about 20-30 min long to discuss findings, recommendations, and possible options.

Possible outcomes and recommendations laid out by the counselor or treatment center that is conducting the evaluation.

* No treatment, if no issues are present
* Alcohol or drug education classes: 1-5 day classes depending on the county in Alabama
* Outpatient chemical dependency treatment: consisting of anywhere from 12 weeks to 26 weeks of daily to weekly meetings, coupled with AA or NA required meetings.
* Residential chemical dependency treatment: Ranging from 21 days of intensive inpatient drug rehab, up to long-term drug rehabs that can last for up to 6 months depending on the recommendation of the Evaluation Specialist.
* Individual counseling: one-on-one counseling that can range from daily schedules to weekly sessions, with a chemical dependency counselor or addiction doctor.
*Couple or family counseling
* Medication management: Sometimes medication needs need to be addressed in an inpatient setting or there can be an adjustment to the current medications that can be handled through your addiction doctor on an outpatient basis.

Follow the guidelines and recommendations of the Evaluation Specialist

If you are seeking evaluation or assessment for work, the courts or family will determine if you need to precisely follow the recommendations. These guidelines are based on years of clinical experience to help handle the issues related to each individual’s addiction and patterns of drug use. You will need to consider whether you can follow these recommendations, taking into account finances, the time needed for treatment, and other circumstances. If there is a third party involved, such as an Alabama county court, family members, your work, or a lawyer, you will need to discuss the recommendations with them and discuss options.

How much does a drug and alcohol assessment cost?

The area that you have mandated for evaluation, will determine the cost of alcohol evaluations or drug assessments. The usual costs can vary between $120-$200 dollars depending on the available providers in your county.

Who will see my assessment after it is completed?

Due to HIPAA, no one but the counselors involved with your case will see your results unless you sign a release of information to a specific entity or organization. All requests for information will be denied unless there is a written release by the client allowing for the information to be released to the interested party per request.

How to pass a Drug and Alcohol Evaluation

This can be a bit more difficult than you would expect due to the parameters the courts have set up to determine their definition of addiction and abuse problems. If you answer that you have a glass of wine every night after dinner (even though this is proven to be beneficial to our health) or have a couple of beers after work a few times a week, you would think that you would have zero chances of being referred to treatment the counselor could very possibly still recommend outpatient treatment and alcohol testing. This can take months to complete for a one-time mistake.

Finding Drug Rehab Centers Near Me

If you do need help for an underlying addiction problem, it is always better to find your own drug rehab. To locate AA meetings, group meetings, 12-step programs, inpatient treatment, or outpatient services in your town give us a call today. We can help you locate treatment for addiction in your area or anywhere in the United States. It is sometimes beneficial for the client to go to treatment further away from home. Getting away from temptations and friends who may still be using is often better for many people. Clients who go to rehab in another state also have a harder time leaving treatment early as well. Depending on the situation, our counselors may suggest looking for substance abuse programs that are a plane flight away.

Enroll in a private drug rehabilitation center that will accept your insurance for the most affordable way to go to treatment. We can help you get your insurance verified, and help you locate a private drug rehab facility. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Birmingham Alabama Drug Rehabs
Decatur AL Addiction Treatment
Huntsville Alabama Drug Rehabilitation
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Montgomery Alabama Drug Rehabs

We have provided a form for your convenience to help with starting the process of locating a treatment center for addiction.  Addiction No More is an addiction treatment center locator service. For immediate service, please call one of our counselors 24/7.

Please Note: This is not an official evaluation form. This form is not admissible in court or for probation officers and is not accepted by caseworkers. Addiction No More is here to help you find treatment for addiction. We can not give any legal advice. If you are looking for a rehab center please fill out this form or call us now.

Disclaimer: This evaluation is not intended to constitute a diagnosis of any disorder. The information provided here cannot substitute for a full evaluation by a health professional which must be done in person. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for help locating a treatment center for addiction.

1-800-513-5423

Sources
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What is an assessment?
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Erik Epp – Content Author