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Has your substance use started to affect your life in a way you never expected? A drug and alcohol evaluation in NJ can serve as a first step to rebuilding your life.
A substance abuse evaluation is a professional and scientific assessment of your drug use. It typically involves:
- Confidential interviews
- Standardized Questionnaires
- Screening assessments
- Psychological assessments
- Lab tests
All these assessments help you understand your current situation and provide an opportunity to explore different recovery options to move forward. Your quest to find online drug and alcohol evaluation near you ends here! ChoicePoint offers free screening following with completely confidential and quick assessments with fast results to help you assess your situation. Call 844.445.2565 to schedule your appointment with DEA-certified staff.
Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.
Table of Contents
What Happens At a Drug and Alcohol Evaluation in NJ?
There are different types of drug and alcohol evaluation tests according to the circumstance you are in. Generally, most evaluations consist of two steps:
- Substance abuse screening
- Substance abuse assessment
Substance Abuse Screening
Substance abuse screening usually determines if you have a substance abuse problem. These are very simple and quick tests. The most common ones are:
| Drug Abuse Screen Test (DAST-10) | Consists of 10 yes or no questions. A score of 8 or higher usually indicates a drug abuse problem. |
| Car, Relax, Alone Forget, Friends, Trouble (CRAFFT) | This test is usually designed for teenagers and consists of yes and no questions. Some of the questions are:
|
| Tobacco, alcohol, prescription medication, and other substance use (TAPS) | This test has two parts. The first test is about the history of drug use and the questions about drug use in the past year. The next part has additional questions to determine the risk of addiction to specific substances. |
Substance Severity Assessment
If screening indicates substance abuse, then a comprehensive assessment is recommended to evaluate the severity of drug use.
| Clinical Interviews | Interviews are conducted with a team of licensed clinicians, mental health experts, and addiction doctors to evaluate the presence of dual diagnosis and to determine the appropriate level of care. |
| DSM-V Criteria | Assesses severity of substance use disorder based on 11 criteria, categorized as mild (2-3 symptoms), moderate (4-5), or severe (6+). |
| AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) | A 10-question test was developed by WHO to assess alcohol consumption, dependency, and related problems. |
| Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST) | A 25-item assessment evaluating lifetime alcohol-related issues. |
| Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) | An 8-item tool developed by WHO to identify and manage substance use in medical settings. |
Ask an Expert!
Executive Clinical Director at ChoicePoint
I want to emphasize that seeking an evaluation for substance use is not about judgment. It is about understanding your health and ensuring you receive the care and support you deserve. Substance use can impact both physical and emotional well-being, and an assessment allows us to create a personalized plan to help you move toward recovery. You are not alone, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
How To Get an Alcohol and Drug Assessment Near Me in NJ?
Substance abuse treatment is getting more accessible with each passing day. Whether you require an evaluation by a court, employer, or personal choice, there are multiple options to get a quick evaluation in NJ.
Walk-in Evaluations
Substance abuse evaluations are easy, simple, and quick. Many licensed treatment centers and behavioral health clinics in New Jersey offer in-person, walk-in substance abuse evaluations. You can call ahead at 844.445.2565 to check the availability of same-day substance abuse assessment in NJ at ChoicePoint.
Online Substance Abuse Assessments
Many rehab centers now offer online alcohol assessments and drug evaluations. These evaluations are conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth services. However it is an employer or court-orders evaluation, then you must:
- Check with state-approved providers to ensure your assessment is valid for legal or court purposes.
- Be mindful that remote assessments may still require some in-person follow-ups.
DUI Assessment
If you have been charged with (Driving Under the Influence) DUI, then you may be asked to take a drug and alcohol assessment. The Intoxicated Driving Program (IDP) usually oversees such jurisdictions. If charged, you may be referred to the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC), where you will take:
- An alcohol and screening assessment
- Courses about the dangers of driving and substance use
- Referred to a reputable rehab if you have a substance use problem.
Employer or Court-ordered Evaluations
If your employer or court has ordered a drug and alcohol evaluation, then you must check if there is a list of recommended rehab centers or approved evaluators to get your assessment. If not, then you can get an evaluation from a certified rehab of your choice. However, you must keep in mind to:
- Inform the rehab center beforehand so they can take care of all the paperwork.
- Make sure that the center is state-licensed and meets the criteria of your legal requirements.
What To Expect at Drug and Alcohol Evaluation
How To Prepare For Substance Abuse Evaluation?
Here is everything you need to do before getting an evaluation:
- Gather all Necessary Documents: These documents include a valid photo ID, employer or court orders (if applicable), medical history or treatment report, a list of current medications you are using, and your insurance card.
- Be open: Your evaluator is a licensed practitioner and will not judge you for your situation. So, you can be honest about your answers to get the help you deserve.
- Be ready to discuss the next steps: If you are diagnosed with a substance use problem, then take this opportunity to gain clarity and seek professional help.
What Do Test Results Mean?
After completing an alcohol and drug assessment, the results will be shared with you. Your results will be one of the following:
| No Indicator of Substance Use | No further treatments required |
| Mild or Early-stage Substance Use | The evaluator may recommend educational courses, brief counseling, or increased awareness of drinking and drug habits.
You may also be referred to outpatient programs |
| Moderate to Severe Substance Use Disorder | You will be counseled about your next treatment options, which may include: |
| Addiction | If the results indicate addiction, you must comply with legal, employment, or personal recovery goals. Usually, inpatient treatment is the best option for recovery. |
Does Insurance Pay For Substance Abuse Assessment/Evaluation?
Yes, all insurance companies are required to cover substance abuse and mental health treatment to some extent. For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield covers prescreening and evaluations with no additional payments. However, sometimes. some companies may not cover court-ordered evaluations. So, the best thing to do is to check with your insurance provider or verify your insurance within minutes through our online insurance verification portal.
Get an Online or In-Person Addiction Evaluation in NJ at ChoicePoint
ChoicePoint offers a one-stop solution for all your addiction needs. Whether you are looking for an assessment or further treatment, we have got you covered! With our in-person and virtual assessments, along with comprehensive addiction treatment programs, catering to all ASAM levels. So do not wait any further and build a better tomorrow at ChoicePoint by calling 844.445.2565.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug and Alcohol Evaluation Near You in NJ
Here are some questions about substance abuse evaluation in NJ
What Are Substance Abuse Assessments?
A substance abuse assessment is a series of standardized tests to diagnose if you have a substance abuse problem. If diagnosed with addiction, then these evaluations also match a person with the correct level of care to begin your recovery.
What is the Most Popular Substance Abuse Assessment?
The most common substance abuse tests include:
- Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10)
- TAPS (Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription medication, and other Substance use)
- CAGE
- DAST- 20 and DAST -28
What are the 4 P’s for substance abuse screening?
The 4 P’s for substance abuse screening are:
- Parents: Inquiring about parents’ history of drug and alcohol use.
- Partner: Focuses on partner’s history of alcohol and drug use
- Past: Questions about the individual’s past
- Pregnancy: Questions about
What Questions Are Asked During a Substance Abuse Assessment?
Simple questions are asked related to:
- Current drug or alcohol use
- Assessment of mental health
- Frequency of drug and alcohol use
- History of substance use
- Impact of drug or alcohol use on daily and social life
What Do They Test for in a Substance Abuse Test?
Substance abuse test usually requires blood or urine samples to screen for drug use such as alcohol, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, opioids, marijuana, and cocaine.
External Resources
- McNeely J, Wu L, Subramaniam G, Sharma G, Cathers LA, Svikis D, et al.Performance of the Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription Medication, and Other Substance Use (TAPS) Tool for Substance Use Screening in Primary Care Patients.Ann Intern Med. 2016;165:690-699. doi: 10.7326/M16-0317
- CRAFFT. CRAFFT. https://crafft.org/
- Screening and Assessment Tools Chart. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/nidamed-medical-health-professionals/screening-tools-resources/chart-screening-tools
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.
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