Tag: Marietta

ALCOHOL AND DRUG EVALUATION GEORGIA

Because of some unfortunate circumstances, do you have to complete an Alcohol and Drug Evaluation?

An Alcohol and Drug Evaluation Decatur is a brief compilation of assessments that allow you to get a better understanding of how alcohol substance use has may or may not have affected your life or contributed to you coming into contact with a representative of the Criminal Justice System (Police, Sheriff, District Attorney, etc.) or (Jails, Detention Centers, Prisons, Probation).

Oftentimes, clients look at the evaluation as a “punishment”, but wouldn’t you like an objective point-of-view of how things seem to be working? Our Alcohol and Drug evaluation Marietta are conducted by certified and licensed Addiction or Mental Health Counselors who have specialized training in human behavior.

This is how it works; you schedule an appointment and then you meet with an evaluator one-on-one and they will ask you questions related to your Physical/ Medical History, Alcohol and Drug History, your Social History, Legal History, and other background information to get a snapshot of who you are and where you are up to this point in your life.

Remember, this is a “snapshot” so it isn’t the full picture. We believe that you are much much more than your experiences and our goal is to tap into who you truly are.

Now, there are times when a recommendation for education or Counseling is issued when the evaluation is completed. Listen, wouldn’t you rather be safe than sorry? Wouldn’t you want to know how to stay safe and reduce your high-risk choices?

We also want to give you an opportunity to tell your truth and take full control over the story that is YOUR LIFE. We welcome this opportunity to meet you and help you get to know yourself.

We have evaluators that help you recover starting with Alcohol and Drug Evaluation located in or near Atlanta, Decatur and Marietta, GA and their surrounding communities.

Alcohol and Drug Clearinghouse Evaluation – SAP for DOT

The Department of Transportation has instituted a new procedure for drivers with violations. The clearinghouse SAP Evaluation is mandatory for individuals who test positive for alcohol or drugs while on the job. The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation.

The driver must register on the FMCSA Clearinghouse and contact an SAP professional to begin the process. The SAP professional provides an assessment and recommendation to facilitate the process to return to work as soon as possible.

Here is the new process for SAP

MRO verifies a positive drug test or refusal.  Or employer verifies a positive alcohol test or an employer-determined refusal

  • MRO (or employer) enters the violation on the driver’s record, using the CD# that is now required to be on the CCF
  • The driver receives a notification (e-mail or text, according to the driver’s preference) that information has been entered on his record
  • A driver goes to his record, views the violation, and enters the name of the SAP he wishes to use
  • The Clearinghouse now kicks out a notification e-mail to the SAP, indicating that the SAP has an “invitation” from the driver
  • The SAP goes to his/her record on the Alcohol and Drug Clearinghouse Evaluation and will see an invitation message on the SAP’s dashboard with the driver’s name
  • The SAP clicks on “Accept Request” or “Deny Request”
  • If the SAP clicks on “Accept Request”, the SAP will now be able to access the driver’s record
  • After the SAP completes the assessment and tells the driver what the SAP’s Counseling recommendation is, the SAP enters the date of the final assessment meeting
  • After determining that the driver has successfully complied, the SAP enters the date of the determination, which means an employer (either the previous employer or a new employer) can order a return-to-duty test
  • The SAP is now done.  Close the file!

Nothing will happen until the MRO enters a drug test result or refusal, or until the employer enters an alcohol test result or refusal.  Entering that information on a driver’s record is the necessary first step in order to start the whole process.

Important considerations:

  1. An MRO has 2 days in which to report a drug violation.
  2. An employer has 3 days in which to report an alcohol violation.

That means the driver may be in your office before the violation has been recorded on the Clearinghouse, and therefore the driver hasn’t been able to invite you to be his/her SAP.

When the driver enters your name, it must be exactly the name that you used when you registered on the Clearinghouse.  If you are Deborah Jones, and the driver enters Deb Jones, it won’t go through.  Be sure that the driver knows the exact name that is in your Clearinghouse record.

WHAT IF I CAN’T FIND THE DRIVER’S RECORD?

If the driver tells you he/she has registered, and if the date of the violation was January 6 or after, then the violation should be on the Clearinghouse.  If it was a drug test, and more than two days have passed since the MRO talked to the driver, you could call the MRO’s office and ask if they entered the violation.  If they tell you it’s been entered, the driver might not have looked at his e-mail to see the instruction about inviting an SAP.  If they tell you they haven’t entered the violation, you could ask when they will enter the violation information on the driver’s record.

Remember:  There is a 2-day window for MROs and a 3-day window for employers.  No wonder you can’t find it on his record.  In that case, you won’t be able to enter the assessment completion date until the violation has been entered.  Yes, this gets complicated.

NOT EVERY DRIVER MUST REGISTER ON THE CLEARINGHOUSE

FMCSA makes this statement frequently.  It’s deceiving and confusing.  But it’s not a loophole.  If a driver never ever applies for a job with a new employer, and that same driver never has a violation, there’s no reason for the driver to be on the Clearinghouse, because no future employer would be checking to see if he has a violation.  Also, when his current employer conducts an annual query on his record, it wouldn’t come up, because he doesn’t have a violation.

For an expedited appointment so we can get you back to work as soon as possible. Our direct contact is 800-683-7745.

DUI SCHOOL MARIETTA

DUI SCHOOL ASSESSMENT IN JUST FEW STEPS

Obtaining a DUI evaluation and enrolling in DUI School are the initial steps in complying with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and a possible court requirement.
The Evaluator gathers all information to make an objective recommendation. A detailed interview is completed gathering substance use history, criminal history, driving records, and any prior arrest history during the DUI evaluation, a urinalysis is also completed. After the assessment, an appropriate course of action is recommended.  Some individuals may not need any further action, but the 20-hour Risk Reduction course is an absolute requirement by the Department of Driver Services. Other individuals may need Counseling to address issues such as substance abuse, excessive alcohol use, or underlying addiction issues. The Counseling recommendation consists of either a short-term program (six to twelve weeks) or a long-term program (seventeen to fifty-two weeks) ASAM Level I program. Some individuals may be recommended as ASAM Level II and above, which is a higher level of care and requires a longer period of Counseling.   Recommendations could vary. An individual may be referred to attend NA/AA 12-steps groups.

THE DUI SCHOOL IS VERY SIMPLE AND IT CONSISTS OF A FEW STEPS.

One – Complete a Needs Assessment

Two– Attend and complete 20 consecutive hours of the Risk Reduction
Program (RRP)

Three – Obtain a certificate of completion

Four– Submit an original certificate to the Department of Driver
Services

HOW DUI EVALUATIONS HELP

Given that DUI Evaluations, along with the Counseling recommendations provided, are often used to minimize and alleviate court sentences, individuals are highly encouraged to undergo evaluations as soon as possible, which demonstrates to the court and prosecution your willingness to take responsibility for your actions and follow-thru with the suggested Counseling plan. Please make sure you discuss your situation with one of our Clinical Evaluators to determine the best course of action for your case.

Family Violence Intervention Programs

The Family Violence Intervention Program FVIP allows for personal, emotional and psychological development in the area of responsiveness to feelings of anger, violence and maladaptive reactions. Most adults were not taught how to respond to situations, feelings, and emotions. Our partnership will allow you to learn these new skills rather quickly, so you can communicate with your loved ones in a loving and healthy manner. For Family Violence Intervention Program (FVIP)class, pleas call us at  800-683-7745.

“The Family Violence Intervention Program (FVIP) is a 24-week course that is created to rehabilitate individuals by holding them accountable and prioritizing victim safety. The thinking, feeling, and behaviors of individuals are reflected in efforts to stop the violence in their families and relationships. Family Violence Intervention Programis focused on assisting individuals to learn new ways to interact with one another without the use of abusive and violent acts. Domestic violence is a violent confrontation between household members that includes sexual assault, physical harm or fear of physical harm. Spouses or former spouses, dating relationships, adults related by blood or marriage, and biological or legal parent-child relationships are all included in family or household members. Probation, protection orders, criminal sentences, and even bond conditions can require the completion of a Family Violence Intervention Program course. Most research tells us that participants who complete FVIPs are less likely to commit new acts of violence or to violate restraining orders”

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is a forceful way that an individual utilizes to keep a loved one under control and dominate while creating a state of constant fear. Physical abuse is the primary form of abuse in most relationships. Of course, not all relationships begin with physical abuse, however; the signs could be there early on. The need to control and dominate becomes evident when the victim shows signs of independence or considers personal growth and development. Physical abuse gets worse when the victim vocalizes frustration or considers ending the relationship.

Physical violence includes: using or threatening to use weapons, hurting the victim verbally first, hitting the victim or children, punching, kicking, slapping, strangling, smothering, shoving, throwing things, destroying property, and denying medical Counseling.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is prevalent in abusive relationships. It is uncommon to discuss or report sexual abuse. Many abusers deny sexual abuse and tend to use shaming and humiliating tactics to control the victim.

Sexual abuse comes in many forms and it may include: physically forcing sex, making the victim feel fearful about saying no to sex, violence or name calling during sex, forcing sex with other partners, forcing prostitution, and forcing the victim to participate in demeaning or degrading sexual acts.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is widely used method by abusive partners seeking control. It is an effective way to manipulate the victim and cause extreme psychological damage. Emotional abuse can lead to lower self-worth and self-doubt. It is common for the victim to begin feeling responsible for the abuse and submit to continued torture. Some victims suffer serious mental health consequences and remain afraid to report their symptoms out of fear.

Emotional abuse comes in a variety of forms: criticisms, name calling, minimizing and rationalizing the abuse or shifting blame for the abusive behavior, threatening andisolating the victim from society and loved ones, jealously, and complete control over who the victim can communicate with.

Financial Abuse

Most victims don’t even realize the extent of financial abuse. It is a powerful way to keep the victim in a vicious cycle. The abuser will take control over all household finances including the victim’s earnings. The abuser will have the sole authority on all finances and make the victim beg for money.

Domestic Violence is Serious

“Red flags” include someone who:

  • Wants to move too quickly into the relationship.
  • Early in the relationship flatters you constantly, and seems “too good to be true.”
  • Wants you all to him- or herself; insists that you stop spending time with your friends or family.
  • Insists that you stop participating in hobbies or activities, quit school, or quit your job.
  • Does not honor your boundaries.
  • Is excessively jealous and accuses you of being unfaithful.
  • Wants to know where you are all of the time and frequently calls, emails, and texts you throughout the day.
  • Criticizes or puts you down; says you are crazy, stupid, and/or fat/unattractive, or that no one else would ever want or love you.
  • Has a history of abusing others.
  • Takes your money or runs up your credit card debt.
  • Rages out of control with you but can maintain composure around others.

DUI Driving School Georgia

DUI Driving School and DUI School are used interchangeably. Attending A DUI Driving School is the best way to get your driver’s license back and comply with all court and state requirements. We provide the 20-hour Risk Reduction Course at our Atlanta location and our Marietta location both located conveniently with easy access to public transportation.
If you have been charged with a Driving Under the Influence (DUI), or if the DUI charge was reduced to reckless driving, the state of Georgia will most likely require you to attend a 20-hour Risk Reduction Program. Most people refer to this program as DUI School.  The Risk Reduction Program at our DUI Driving School is scheduled for nights and weekends. It is designed to avoid work or school interruptions. Our bas`ic schedule is as follows:

Friday –    6 pm to 10 pm

Saturday – 9 am to 6 pm

Sunday –   9 am to 6 pm

We recommend that you call us in advance to verify the weekly schedule to avoid missing any sessions. The course must be completed in three consecutive days. All participants are required to arrive on time. Tardy participants will be allowed into sessions and will be required to attend the 20-hour Risk Reduction Program in its entirety.

DUI School is a court-mandated program that offers the 20-hour Risk Reduction Program. The program is designed to assess high-risk behaviors. The curriculum is prepared the Prime for Life institute and it presents the prime solutions book for the 20-hour course. For an expedited appointment please call us at 800-683-7745.

DUI Driving School is meant for participants to learn more about their offense so that towards the end of the course they will be able to take full responsibility for it. Mandatory alcohol education, assessment and Counseling laws require attendance at DUI Driving School to help with alcohol education or therapy. Acknowledging that it was their alcohol and/or drug use that resulted in the consequences of a DUI offense. The DUI Driving School is a dedicated program that will help participants commit to ending the abuse of alcohol and drugs. Helping them develop a plan for the future to avoid continuing their disruptive behavior including how to avoid relapses with better and healthier choices. Normally after completion of all the courses in the DUI Driving School, a follow-up interview is conducted to assess the level of completion for goals and to reinforce strategies to avoid drinking and driving. Alcohol prevention programs can often replace and reduce harsher penalties in drunk driving cases such as court fines, license suspension, and jail time.

Driving Under the Influence is against the law and can result in serious consequences

Drinking and driving is extremely dangerous. Not only are you putting your life at risk but others as well. We all tend to make mistakes that we later find ourselves regretting in the long run. Drinking and driving is one of those mistakes that we underestimate and repeat often.  I’m sure many of us have experienced making decisions without taking a moment to consider the consequences of our actions. Pairing your decision-making skills with alcohol is just asking for a disaster.

Excessive consumption of alcohol not only misconstrues your decision-making ability but it can affect your personality, too.  Drinking too much alcohol not only opens the door to irrational choices that could possibly lead to poor decision-making after a night of drinking and getting behind the wheel. We highly recommend that you ask yourself when it will ever be enough? When is it time for me to make a change? Ask yourself, will you learn from your consequences? Will you actively assess your behavior? Will you begin the process of making sound and safe choices? Or will you continue the vicious cycle and start to lose your grip on life and become comfortable in your mistakes?

We are here to help you with those questions. We’re not here to judge your DUI we’re here to give you the information you need to open the door of sobriety. The first step to that open door is being interviewed by one of our certified Counseling providers. This interview is known as a DUI evaluation. A DUI evaluation is ordered by the court when a person is arrested for a DUI. This interview is used to determine the presence and extent of a possible alcohol problem. The evaluation also helps with the development of a Counseling plan to help assist you better with your recover.

Counseling is an option

Substance abuse almost seems to be as old as mankind. Although substance abuse often begins with pleasure-seeking, self-medication, exploration, or other reasons, its dependency often creeps up without alarming. Legal for use with certain stipulations, alcohol is one of the major addictive illicit drugs; second, only to cigarette smoking. Driving under the influence is also one of the leading causes of death, worldwide. While access to illicit substances is not so easy, alcohol is a socially acceptable and a legal drug; however, the problem of alcohol and drug abuse is huge, receiving Counseling is difficult.

Some of the reasons hindering Counseling were lack of facilities, poor access, lack of trained professionals, cost of Counseling, and more. Even incarceration and recidivism have strong links to substance abuse. In the past alternative, Counseling was not usually offered to those facing legal charges. However, now certain alternatives to incarceration programs are offered in many cases since they have been known as helpful in lowering the rate of recidivism; and, effective in substance abuse Counseling. Due to their effectiveness, certain groups or individual therapy classes are also a part of some probation and correctional pretrial services.

Clases de ASAM en español

¿Por qué necesito una Clases de ASAM en español?

If you have been arrested for a DUI or possession of drugs, the court or the Department of Drivers Services will mandate you to complete an ASAM Level I class.
DUI and substance abuse classes are designated as ASAM Level I classes. We offer ASAM Class in Spanish with a convenient and flexible schedule to fit your needs.
Continue reading “Clases de ASAM en español”

Anger Management Class Georgia

Anger Management Class

In brief, the anger management class consists of knowing how to recognize when and why you get angry and how to control your emotions, along with new ways to respond when confronted with anger-triggering stimuli, or anger triggers.

Continue reading “Anger Management Class Georgia”

Intensive Outpatient Program-IOP Marietta, Decatur and Atlanta

Intensive Outpatient Program Georgia

Intensive outpatient Program Georgia-IOP is designed for individuals who are unable to take time off school, work, family and devote thirty to ninety days to a residential Counseling program. #Intensive Outpatient Program-IOP allows them the opportunity to get the appropriate care while maintaining major responsibilities in life.

Intensive Outpatient Program Georgia-IOP care is ideal in such cases because clients don’t have to worry about losing income or having to repeat coursework. Being able to continue going to work or school on a regular basis can help individuals remain stable as they focus on their recovery efforts.

They will also have the peace of mind that comes from knowing they can still provide for their families or improve their education as they address their substance abuse issues.

Support Structure

Many individuals prefer to go through an Intensive Outpatient Program because it lets them take advantage of the support structure waiting for them at home. They have friends and family who care about them and want to help them succeed.

Participating in IOP care also gives people the opportunity to maintain ties with their religious organizations and other groups that provide them with encouragement, friendship, love, and support, which can result in enormous benefits to those in recovery.

Why IOP Is Important: Recognizing the Dangers of Substance Abuse

Counseling Gap

Illegal use of drugs has been growing in the United States. Approximately 23.9 million Americans ages 12 and up (9.2 percent of the U.S. population) have used illegal drugs or abused prescription drugs such as tranquilizers, stimulants and pain medications in the last month, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Unfortunately, there is a “Counseling gap” in this country for individuals who abuse substances. While an estimated 23.1 million people require Counseling for drug or alcohol-related problems (about 8.9 percent of the total population), only about 2.5 million, or 1 percent of the total population, have arranged for Counseling at a facility, notes NIDA.

One key method for reducing this gap is to get the word out about the types of Counseling available for individuals who are ready to recover, as well as to inform the people who are close to them and want to help them in their journey to recovery.

There are many dangers associated with substance abuse, making it crucial for individuals with addiction to recognize they need help and seek out Counseling.

Individuals who are abusing drugs may:

  • Lose their jobs
  • Separate from their family
  • Become homeless
  • Wind up in jail

It should be noted that military veterans are at a heightened risk for addiction, with approximately 21 percent of veterans in substance abuse Counseling being homeless, according to a report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA.

Overdose and Self Harm

The threat of overdosing on drugs is a constant possibility, with patients potentially becoming injured or dying. In fact, the leading cause of injury death is drug overdoses, which noted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC reported that 105 people die from a drug overdose every day in the United States and that an additional 6,748 go to emergency departments each day for abuse or misuse of drugs.

What is an Alcohol and Drug Evaluation? Complete Guide

Understanding the Assessment That Shapes Your Recovery Path

You’ve heard the term thrown around. Maybe a court ordered you to get one. Maybe your employer mentioned it. Maybe you’re considering it voluntarily.

But what exactly IS an alcohol and drug evaluation?

This comprehensive guide answers that question completely. By the end, you’ll understand exactly what an evaluation is, why it matters, what happens during one, and what comes next.

Let’s start with the basics.

What is an Alcohol and Drug Evaluation? (Definition)

An alcohol and drug evaluation is a professional clinical assessment conducted by a licensed mental health professional. Its purpose: determine whether you have a substance use disorder and, if so, what level of care you need.

Think of it as a diagnostic tool – similar to how a doctor examines you to determine if you need medication, therapy, or hospitalization.

The evaluator gathers information through:

  • Clinical interview (conversation)
  • Standardized screening tools (validated questionnaires)
  • Review of your substance use history
  • Assessment of life consequences
  • Evaluation of mental health factors
  • Analysis of family history

Result: A written report with:

  • Clinical findings
  • Diagnosis (if applicable)
  • Severity rating
  • Level of care recommendation
  • Personalized treatment plan

Why Do You Need an Alcohol and Drug Evaluation?

There are many reasons someone needs an evaluation. Here are the most common:

Court-Ordered (Legal Requirements)

You may need an evaluation if you’ve been arrested or charged with:

  • DUI or DWI (driving under the influence)
  • Drug possession
  • Drug distribution
  • Public intoxication
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Reckless driving
  • Assault or battery
  • Domestic violence
  • Any substance-related crime

The court uses the evaluation findings to:

  • Determine guilt/innocence
  • Guide sentencing decisions
  • Set probation conditions
  • Assess the risk to the public
  • Determine appropriate punishment or treatment

Employment-Required

Some employers or industries require evaluation:

  • DOT violations or failed drug test
  • Professional licensing requirements
  • Safety-sensitive positions
  • Government jobs requiring security clearance
  • Company substance abuse policy

Probation/Parole Conditions

If you’re under supervision, conditions may include:

  • Mandatory substance evaluation
  • Progress monitoring appointments
  • Compliance with treatment recommendations

Voluntary/Personal

You might seek evaluation yourself:

  • Concerned about your substance use
  • Family intervention
  • Personal health concern
  • Insurance requirement
  • Custody proceedings
  • Self-referral for help

The Purpose of an Alcohol and Drug Evaluation

The PRIMARY purpose: Diagnose substance use and recommend treatment.

But there are several other important purposes:

Clinical Purpose

To evaluate:

  • Whether substance use disorder exists
  • Severity (mild, moderate, serious, severe)
  • Types of substances involved
  • Duration of use
  • Contributing factors
  • Co-occurring mental health issues
  • Risk factors and protective factors

To understand:

  • How does use affect your life
  • Your readiness for change
  • Your support system
  • Your strengths and weaknesses

Legal Purpose

To inform court decisions:

  • Sentencing recommendations
  • Probation terms
  • Treatment requirements
  • Release conditions
  • Risk assessment

To support:

  • Attorney advocacy
  • Case defense
  • Mitigating circumstances
  • Rehabilitation potential

Medical Purpose

To guide treatment:

  • Appropriate level of care
  • Specific treatment modalities
  • Mental health integration
  • Medication needs (if applicable)
  • Follow-up and monitoring

Personal Purpose

To help you:

  • Understand your situation
  • Recognize your substance use
  • See how it affects your life
  • Know what help you need
  • Take the first step toward recovery

Who Conducts Alcohol and Drug Evaluations?

Licensed mental health professionals conduct evaluations:

Common providers:

  • Licensed professional counselors (LPC)
  • Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW)
  • Psychologists (PhD or PsyD)
  • Psychiatrists (MD or DO)
  • Certified substance abuse counselors (CSAC)
  • Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT)

Requirements:

  • State licensing required
  • Specialized training in addiction
  • Clinical experience
  • Often, certification in substance abuse assessment

Red flag: If the evaluator isn’t licensed and trained, results may not be court-accepted.

Key Components of the Evaluation Process

1. Clinical Interview (60-90 minutes)

Your evaluator asks detailed questions about:

Substance use history:

  • When you started using
  • Types of substances (alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, opioids, prescription pills, etc.)
  • Frequency and quantity
  • Current use pattern
  • Longest period of sobriety

Attempts to quit

Life impact:

  • Employment history and job loss
  • Relationship damage and breakups
  • Legal trouble and arrests
  • Financial consequences
  • Health problems
  • Accidents or injuries

Personal background:

  • Family history of addiction
  • Childhood environment
  • Trauma or abuse
  • Mental health history
  • Education and employment

Current stressors

Mental health:

  • Depression or anxiety
  • Previous psychiatric diagnoses
  • Medications
  • Suicide attempts
  • Trauma effects

Motivation:

  • Desire to change
  • Support system
  • Goals and dreams
  • Barriers to recovery

2. Standardized Screening Tools

You complete validated questionnaires:

SASSI (Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory)

  • 93-item questionnaire
  • Measures substance abuse likelihood
  • Detects denial and minimization
  • Takes 10-15 minutes

MAST (Michigan Alcohol Screening Test)

  • 25-item questionnaire
  • Specific to alcohol use
  • Measures dependence and consequences
  • Takes 5-10 minutes

AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test)

  • 10-item questionnaire from WHO
  • Identifies hazardous drinkingThe
  • World Health Organization endorsed
  • Takes 5 minutes

ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine)

  • Multi-dimensional assessment
  • Covers 6 life dimensions
  • Determines the level of care needed
  • Completed by evaluator

3. Report Writing (2-3 days)

Evaluator compiles:

  • Assessment summary
  • Findings and analysis
  • Diagnosis (if applicable)
  • Severity rating
  • Level of care recommendation
  • Treatment plan
  • Professional recommendations

4. Delivery of Results

You receive:

  • Written a comprehensive report
  • Explanation of findings
  • Treatment options review
  • Next steps discussion
  • Answer to your questions

Severity Levels and What They Mean

Evaluators rate substance use from no disorder to severe dependence:

Level 0: No Substance Use Disorder

  • Finding: No addiction problem
  • What it means: Substance use isn’t a clinical concern
  • Treatment: None required
  • Court response: Case may close

Level 1: Mild Substance Use

  • Finding: Some use without major consequences
  • What it means: Occasional or situational use
  • Treatment: 8-hour education class
  • Court response: Favorable (shows you don’t need intensive treatment)

Level 2: Moderate Substance Use

  • Finding: Regular use with some consequences
  • What it means: Frequent use affects some life areas
  • Treatment: ASAM class + weekly counseling (8-12 weeks)
  • Court response: Standard (shows appropriate intervention)

Level 3: Serious Substance Use

  • Finding: Significant substance use disorder
  • What it means: Heavy use with major life consequences
  • Treatment: Intensive Outpatient (IOP) 9-20 hours/week, 90+ days
  • Court response: Demonstrates need for serious intervention

Level 4: Severe Substance Dependence

  • Finding: Severe addiction with high risk
  • What it means: Extreme use, withdrawal symptoms, loss of control
  • Treatment: Inpatient hospitalization (30-90+ days)
  • Court response: Appropriate for high-risk individuals

The Evaluation is NOT a Test

Important clarification:

It is NOT:

  • A test with right/wrong answers
  • Designed to trick you
  • Punitive or judgmental
  • A criminal investigation
  • A way to “catch” you

It IS:

  • A professional assessment
  • A diagnostic tool
  • A way to understand your situation
  • Designed to help you
  • Confidential and protected by law

What to Bring to Your Evaluation

Essential:

  • Valid photo ID
  • Court order (if you have one)
  • Insurance card

Helpful:

  • List of medications
  • Medical history notes
  • Previous treatment records
  • Family history information
  • Timeline of substance use

Cost and Timeline

  • Cost: $89-$165 (standard evaluation)
  • Duration: 90-120 minutes total
  • Results: 2-3 business days
  • Next steps: Treatment enrollment within 1-2 weeks

After Your Evaluation: What Happens Next

You receive your report and recommendations.

Based on findings, you might:

  • No treatment: Case closes (if court-ordered)
  • Education class: Attend 8-hour DUI school or ASAM class
  • Counseling: Weekly therapy sessions (8-12 weeks)
  • Intensive program: IOP program (90+ days)
  • Inpatient treatment: Hospital program (30-90+ days)

Related Resources (Learn More)

All of these topics are covered in detail:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will my evaluation be confidential?

A: Yes. Protected by law. Only shared with the court/attorney if legally required.

Q: Can I bring someone with me?

A: No. Evaluations are one-on-one and confidential.

Q: What if I disagree with the results?

A: Discuss with evaluator. Second opinion available if needed.

Q: How long until the court receives my report?

A: Typically 2-3 business days.

Q: Can I do it online?

A: Yes. Virtual evaluations are available and court-approved.

Q: Will it affect my job?

A: Not automatically. Confidential unless you authorize release.

Q: What if I don’t complete treatment?

A: The court may issue penalties. Compliance matters.

Q: Do I need a lawyer?

A: Not for evaluation. Recommended for your overall case.

Why AACS Atlanta for Your Evaluation

30+ years combined experience

  • Know what courts need
  • Understand the Georgia legal system
  • Recognize recovery potential

100% court-approved

  • All evaluations accepted by Georgia courts
  • No delays or re-dos
  • Professional reports judges understand

Licensed professionals

  • PhD-level supervisors
  • Certified counselors
  • Experienced evaluators

Convenient

  • Same-day appointments available
  • Virtual evaluations offered
  • Multiple locations (Marietta, Decatur, Atlanta)

Results-focused

  • Comprehensive assessments
  • Personalized treatment plans
  • Follow-up support available

Take the First Step

Understanding what an alcohol and drug evaluation is removes the mystery and fear. It’s a professional assessment designed to help you – not hurt you.

Whether court-ordered or voluntary, taking action shows commitment to resolving your situation and moving forward.

Same-day appointments available. Virtual evaluations available. Spanish services available.

 

Cognitive Skills

Accountability in Cognitive Skills. Why does being accountable for our emotions and behavior require so much effort? In society today the more we get away with reckless and unacceptable behavior the more we continue that behavior.

We trick our minds into accepting the lack of accountability as normal behavior. When our reckless behavior is addressed, we don’t like it. We get angry with everyone that has input in addressing that behavior.

Rarely do we OWN our reckless behavior, rarely do we hold ourselves accountable, and although we know better, we rarely think our consequences are fair.

Accountability in Cognitive Skills may just change your life!

Consequences come in many forms. The most rejected consequence is when we are arrested and the negative consequences that follow. Most often we are surprised when our behavior is addressed from a criminal aspect, thinking “I only had three beers, it was just one molly”, or I only fight when people won’t leave me alone”. Reckless behavior, such as addiction, depression, anger, domestic violence, compulsive shoplifting, and theft, anxiety, not only affects the person engaging in that behavior, it also affects the community. The community includes family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and all other citizens within.

When we are engaged in negative behavior as a community it has to be addressed and when we accept ownership of our behavior it is at that point we are open to accountability. Once we accept accountability for our reckless behavior we understand the consequences we know to expect are inevitable. We are able to embrace the corrective behavior skills presented and if practiced we have the ability to make better decisions in our life. We learn to adapt from the learned behavior and our environmental influences, we learn to and conform to positive thinking and not respond to negative thinking or negative emotions as we understand that would contribute to a cycle of chaos in our lives and no accountability.

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