Your Complete Guide to Understanding Results, Reports, and Next Steps
You just finished your alcohol and drug evaluation. Now what?
If you’re feeling confused, anxious, or uncertain about what comes next, you’re not alone. Most people don’t know what to expect after their evaluation ends. Will you get results immediately? What do the recommendations mean? When do you start treatment? How long will it take?
This guide walks you through exactly what happens after your evaluation – from receiving your report to understanding your recommendations to completing your treatment plan.
Your Report Arrives: What It Means (2-3 Business Days)
After your evaluation appointment, the clinical team writes a comprehensive report. You’ll receive it within 2-3 business days.
Your report contains several critical components:
Clinical Assessment Summary
This is the evaluator’s detailed findings about your substance use. It covers:
Your complete history of alcohol and drug use
- Patterns and severity of use
- How has use affected your life
- Family history and risk factors
- Mental health considerations
- Strengths and protective factors
- Overall clinical picture
This section is important because it provides the foundation for everything that follows.
Your Diagnosis (If Applicable)
The evaluator determines whether you have a substance use disorder. They’ll specify:
- Whether addiction is present or not
- Severity level (mild, moderate, serious, severe)
- Specific substances involved
- Duration of the disorder
- Clinical diagnosis codes (for insurance and court records)
Important: No diagnosis doesn’t mean you’re “off the hook.” Even mild use can require treatment.
Severity Rating Explained
Your report will give you a severity rating. Here’s what each level means in practical terms:
- Level 0: No Substance Use Disorder
- Finding: No addiction identified
- What it means: Substance use isn’t a clinical problem
- Your next step: Case may close (no treatment required)
- Timeline: Immediate compliance if court-ordered, only for evaluation
Level 1: Mild Substance Use
- Finding: Some substance use, but not severe
- What it means: Occasional or situational use without major consequences
- Your next step: 8-hour education class (DUI School or similar)
- Timeline: Can complete in 1-2 days
- Cost: $89-$165 typically
- Court response: Favorable (shows you don’t need intensive treatment)
Level 2: Moderate Substance Use
- Finding: Regular use with some life consequences
- What it means: Frequent substance use affects work, relationships, or health
- Your next step: ASAM education class + weekly counseling (8-12 weeks)
- Timeline: 2-3 months to complete
- Cost: $400-$800 (varies by program)
- Court response: Standard compliance (shows appropriate intervention)
Level 3: Serious Substance Use
- Finding: Significant substance use disorder present
- What it means: Heavy use with major consequences (job loss, legal trouble, health problems)
- Your next step: Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – 9-20 hours per week
- Timeline: 90+ days to complete
- Cost: $1,500-$3,000+ (varies widely)
- Court response: Demonstrates need for serious intervention (often viewed favorably)
Level 4: Severe Substance Dependence
- Finding: Severe addiction with high risk
- What it means: Extreme use with life-threatening consequences, withdrawal symptoms, and complete loss of control
- Your next step: Inpatient hospitalization (30-90+ days)
- Timeline: 1-3 months minimum
- Cost: $5,000-$15,000+ (often insurance covers)
- Court response: Appropriate for high-risk individuals (court supports this level)
Treatment Recommendations
This is the most important part of your report. Your evaluator specifically recommends:
- Type of treatment (education, outpatient, intensive outpatient, inpatient)
- Number of hours or days required
- Specific programs recommended
- Timeline for completing treatment
- Frequency of sessions
- Any additional services (mental health, medication, etc.)
These recommendations are based on YOUR situation, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Who Gets Your Report
Your report goes to multiple people:
- You: Your personal copy (always given to you)
- Your Attorney: If you have legal representation (critical for your case)
- The Court: Automatically transmitted (this determines your sentence)
- Probation/Parole Officer: If you’re under supervision (they monitor compliance)
- Insurance Company: If they’re paying (they determine coverage)
This means your report gets seen by the people who decide your fate. That’s why accuracy matters.
Understanding Your Treatment Timeline
Here’s a realistic timeline for what happens after your evaluation:
Week 1: You Receive Report
- Report arrives (usually 2-3 business days after appointment)
- You review findings
- Attorney reviews and explains implications
- The court receives a copy automatically
- You may feel relieved, anxious, or both (this is normal)
Week 2: Enrollment Begins
- You contact the treatment program
- The program counselor discusses your needs
- You enroll formally
- Payment arrangements made
- First appointment scheduled
- You receive program materials
Week 3: First Treatment Session
- You attend your first session
- Program orientation
- Building rapport with a counselor
- Treatment plan finalized
- Expectations set
- Resources provided
Weeks 4-12+: Active Treatment
Timeline depends on your recommendation:
8-Hour Class: Complete within 1-2 days
- Usually offered as weekend or evening sessions
- You attend 8 consecutive hours
- Completion certificate issued the same day
ASAM Education + Counseling: 8-12 weeks
- Weekly counseling sessions (1 hour each)
- ASAM education class (12-20 hours spread across weeks)
- Progress monitoring
- Feedback from the counselor
Intensive Outpatient (IOP): 90+ days minimum
- Multiple sessions per week (3-5 days)
- Group and individual therapy
- Accountability and structure
- Regular progress assessments
- May extend beyond 90 days
Inpatient Program: 30-90+ days minimum
- 24/7 residential care
- Medical supervision
- Intensive counseling
- Structure and safety
- Family involvement
- Aftercare planning
Months 3-6: Completion
- Final treatment sessions
- Completion certificate issued
- Proof of completion submitted to the court
- Attorney files final documentation
- Court schedules final hearing (if applicable)
Month 4-8: Case Resolution
- Judge reviews completion
- Court makes final decision
- Charges may be dropped, reduced, or the sentence modified
- Probation terms may be adjusted
- The case may close
Treatment Options: What You Might Be Enrolled In
Depending on your evaluation results, here are the treatment options available:
8-Hour DUI School Class
Who needs it: Mild substance use or first-time offenders
What it covers:
- Alcohol and drug effects on the body
- Impaired driving dangers
- Legal consequences
- DUI statistics
- Personal responsibility
Format: Usually one weekend or two evening sessions
Cost: $89-$165
Time commitment: One weekend day or 2 evenings
Why courts recommend it: Educational, not punitive
Success rate: High completion (straightforward requirement)
ASAM Level I Education Classes
Who needs it: Mild to moderate use
What it covers:
- Substance abuse fundamentals
- Addiction disease model
- Treatment and recovery
- Relapse prevention
- Personal assessment
Format: Weekly classes (2-3 hours) for 12-20 hours total
Cost: $300-$500
Time commitment: 6-10 weeks of classes
Combined with: Weekly counseling sessions (1 hour each)
Why courts recommend it: Educational foundation for recovery
Success rate: Good when combined with counseling
Individual Counseling Sessions
Who needs it: Nearly all moderate+ recommendations
What it covers:
- One-on-one therapy with a licensed counselor
- Deep exploration of the roots of substance use
- Mental health issues (anxiety, depression, trauma)
- Coping strategies
- Relapse prevention planning
- Life skills
Format: Weekly 50-60 minute sessions
Cost: $75-$150 per session (often covered by insurance)
Duration: 8-52 weeks, depending on severity
Benefit: Personalized approach to YOUR situation
Why courts recommend it: Addresses underlying issues
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Who needs it: Serious substance use disorder
What it includes:
- Group counseling (2-3 sessions per week)
- Individual therapy (1 session per week)
- Educational workshops
- Skill-building classes
- Accountability and monitoring
- Sometimes medication management
Format: 9-20 hours per week over 90+ days
Cost: $1,500-$3,000+ (often insurance covers portion)
Duration: 3-6 months
Intensity: Significant time commitment, but you live at home
Why courts recommend it: Serious intervention without hospitalization
Success rate: High when the person is committed
Inpatient/Residential Treatment
Who needs it: Severe substance dependence
What it includes:
- 24/7 medical supervision
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Medical detoxification (if needed)
- Psychiatric care
- Structured daily schedule
- Meal and housing provided
- Family involvement
- Aftercare planning
Duration: 30-90+ days
Cost: $5,000-$15,000+ (often insurance covers)
Why courts recommend it: Safest option for severe addiction
Success rate: Best outcomes when the person completes the full program
Real Timeline Example: What Most People Actually Experience
Your situation: First-time DUI, moderate use evaluation result
- Week 1: Receive report recommending ASAM class + 8 weeks of counseling
- Week 2: Enroll in program, pay fees, schedule first session
- Week 3: Start weekly counseling (1 hour) and ASAM class (2 hours)
- Weeks 3-10: Attend classes and counseling consistently
- Week 11: Complete all requirements, get certificate
- Week 12: Submit proof to the court, and the attorney files the final documentation
- Week 13: Court reviews case
- Week 14: Judge dismisses or reduces charges
Total time: 3-4 months from evaluation to case resolution
Critical Success Factors: What Determines Good Outcomes
Your treatment success depends on these factors:
1. Completing Everything on Time
Missing sessions extend your timeline. Courts notice. Some judges interpret it as a lack of commitment.
Pro tip: Mark all dates on your calendar. Set phone reminders. Show up early.
2. Being Honest With Your Counselor
Minimizing or hiding issues means treatment won’t help you.
Pro tip: Your counselor has heard everything. They don’t judge. Be real.
3. Following Recommendations Exactly
If your report says weekly counseling, do weekly (not every 2 weeks).
Pro tip: Counselor notes are sent to court. Perfect attendance matters.
4. Addressing Underlying Issues
If anxiety causes your drinking, treatment must address anxiety too.
Pro tip: Tell your counselor about mental health, trauma, stress – it all matters.
5. Building a Support System
Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation.
You need:
- Family support
- Trusted friends
- Support group participation (AA, NA, SMART Recovery)
- Counselor check-ins
- Sometimes medication (if recommended)
Pro tip: Involve family in some sessions if the counselor recommends.
After Treatment Ends: Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
Treatment completion isn’t the end – it’s a transition point.
Most programs include aftercare:
- Ongoing counseling: Monthly check-ins after completion
- Support group participation: Continue attending AA/NA meetings
- Relapse prevention: Strategies to stay sober long-term
- Accountability: Periodic drug screening (if appropriate)
- Resources: Access to crisis support if needed
This support system helps prevent relapse. People who engage with aftercare have significantly better long-term outcomes.
Your Report Might Say No Treatment – What That Means
If you receive a “no substance disorder” diagnosis:
- You still need to complete the evaluation (done)
- You may not need additional treatment (great news)
- Your case may close faster (positive outcome)
- The court may view you more favorably (helpful)
BUT: Some court orders only require evaluation, not treatment. Clarify with your attorney.
Common Concerns After Your Report Arrives
The recommendations seem too harsh
You can discuss with the evaluator or the attorney. Options:
- Request clarification from the evaluator
- Get second opinion (if appropriate)
- Discuss with the attorney about the court discussion
I can’t afford treatment.
Options:
- Payment plans available
- Insurance coverage (check your plan)
- Sliding scale programs
- The court may allow alternative programs
- Discuss with counselor – solutions often available
This will take too long
Reality check:
- Most programs take 8-16 weeks, not years
- Time passes anyway
- Completing quickly helps your case
- Staying trapped in legal limbo takes much longer
I’m scared of groups/therapy
This is normal:
- First sessions are always awkward
- People are there for the same reason
- Counselors experienced with nervous people
- You get comfortable quickly
Moving Forward: Action Steps Starting Today
This week:
- Read your entire report carefully
- Schedule an appointment with an attorney (if you have one)
- Understand exactly what’s required
- Ask questions about anything unclear
Next week:
- Contact the recommended treatment program
- Ask about schedules and costs
- Enroll formally
- Get all program information
Week 3:
- Attend the first treatment session
- Meet your counselor/group
- Commit fully to the process
- Set calendar reminders for all appointments
Your Recovery Journey Starts Now
Your evaluation report isn’t punishment – it’s a roadmap. It tells you exactly what you need to do to move forward.
Thousands of people follow this path successfully every year. With commitment and honesty, you can too.
The next few months matter. Make them count.
Related Pages (Learn More)
Need Help Understanding Your Results?
Contact AACS Atlanta. Our counselors can explain your report and help you understand the next steps.
We’re here to support you through treatment and help you succeed.