DUI evaluations are given to those that have been arrested for a DUI to find out if they have problems with drugs and alcohol. With the evaluation, a treatment plan can be developed, and a judge can make a reasonable sentence.

Generally, when people are charged with a DUI, their first instinct is to seek legal representation that can help them avoid severe punishment. While this is true, even the best defense attorney would likely recommend you undergo a DUI evaluation. These evaluations are typically done by an agency that the state has certified, but each state has different requirements. However, they’re all done to find out why a person wound up with a DUI, and with the goal of finding a solution. Thus, these evaluations not only help in building your case but also give the state a better idea of how to rehabilitate you instead of just sending you to prison.

So let’s delve deeper into what to expect at a DUI evaluation.

The DUI Evaluation Process

Screening

When you’re arrested and take a drug test for DUI evaluation, you will go through a screening process before going any further.

You’ll also have to take a short drug and alcohol assessment called the CAGE Questionnaire. This assessment lets others quickly identify if you have a drug or alcohol problem.

It can often be that sometimes you might not have a drug problem but because you use certain drugs for medical purposes, they might show up on the drug test. This would be the time to be forthright about any drug usage you’ve been involved in, like CBD oils. If you want to know about how drug tests and CBD work, then you should look at how much you use and your reaction to them. Every person’s body reacts differently to CBD, and you don’t know if the amount you’re using is enough to show up positive for THC on a drug test or not until you actually take one. So it’s always best to get ahead of the situation and make your position clear before you take the test.

During the initial screening, if it’s determined that you don’t have a problem, you won’t have to go through extensive assessments and treatment programs like you would if you did have a problem.

Interview and Assessment

You can also expect to have interviews about your drug use, health, medication history, and what caused you to take the substance. These interviews allow treatment providers to come up with an appropriate plan for you.

There are two popular forms of assessment that are used: The Diagnostic Interview Schedule-IV (DIS-IV) and the Addiction Severity Index (ASI).

During the DIS-IV, you will go through an interview to find out if you have any psychological disorders that could drive you to abuse substances. You’ll be asked clear questions, that are easy to answer, to reach an accurate conclusion.

During the ASI, your interview will go more in-depth into your personal life to discover what could’ve driven you to abuse substances. Things like your employment, relationships, and drug and alcohol use will be questioned.

The ASI lets the interviewer cover topics that go several years back, so you could be asked if you’ve done drugs years ago. This is to take note of any relapses or persistence.

Outcomes

The outcome of a substance abuse evaluation can result in many things. You have the possibility of being required to go to Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, substance abuse counseling, drug testing, and more.

Depending on the severity of the case, you might have to go through an inpatient or outpatient treatment program to ensure that you successfully rehabilitate.

Failure to complete any evaluation or program will mean that you have violated your probation. This will encourage the judge to give you a harsher sentence, and you might not be able to receive a license until you complete a program.

Don’t Worry About Your DUI Evaluation

Having a simple alcohol evaluation or DUI assessment won’t ruin your world. They are designed to help you and give you a chance to rebuild your future.

During your DUI evaluation, you can expect to go through interviews and assessments to ensure that you don’t have any addictions or come up with a solution if it is found that you do.

Feel free to contact us with any inquiries about our substance abuse counseling and treatment programs.