Tensions have been rising over the last few months. Small arguments have turned into shouting matches. The fights calm at the end of the night and are stuffed away and replaced by physical touch as an attempt at forgiveness. The cycle continues day in and day out. The tension is reaching a boiling point. After a stressful day at work, or dealing with the kids, a glass of wine, or maybe a few beers, is all you are looking forward to in order to unwind. A few drinks in and another argument starts. This time it is different. A button gets pressed, a person brought up, a text message read, a phone number seen; the shouting is not enough. The only way you are going to be heard is if you make yourself heard. A glass tossed across the room, a slap across the face, a nail breaks the skin… blood is drawn, a bruise formed, a siren heard in the distance…
Maybe this story sounds familiar to you. It is a story I hear often when a person first starts an FVIP course. It is the story of unmitigated emotion and passion loosed in a fit of fury. This even momentary violence can land someone in a program for 6 full months of FVIP. FVIP is a class meant to bring an understanding to not only what happened on the fateful event, but what happened the days before, the months before, and the misunderstandings even years into the past. Your FVIP instructor is there to hopefully take the blinders off your eyes. FVIP is meant to show you a new path to understanding your emotional states and the consequences of being unaware. Trust me we understand. There can be guilt and shame and hurt involved in the process and there can also be resentment toward the person involved in the incident. Instead of looking at FVIP as a sentence try to see it as an opportunity to really look at your life with brand new eyes. FVIP can be the first step in a new life.
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.
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 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:
An MRO has 2 days in which to report a drug violation.
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.
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.
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 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.
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”
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.
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.
Why would I need an alcohol and drug evaluation in Decatur? If you’re on this page, it’s because you’re searching for an agency that provides this service.
Most individuals are referred by a judicial officer, parole, probation, or a law enforcement agency via a court mandate to obtain an alcohol and drug evaluation to determine whether the person shows symptoms of active addiction or the possibility of developing such symptoms. Some of the charges that could require an alcohol and drug evaluation are possession of marijuana, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, reckless driving, assault, battery, theft, or any combination of facts that may raise suspicion of substance abuse.
Substance Abuse Counselor Training
Why do I need an alcohol and drug evaluation, Marietta? The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that individuals begin using drugs for a variety of reasons, which include
inability to cope with life
to relieve Stress
trauma
curiosity
peer pressure
Navigating legal requirements or personal concerns related to substance use often involves a step known as an alcohol and drug evaluation. This process can feel intimidating if you don’t know what to expect. Understanding its purpose and structure can help demystify the experience and show you it’s a constructive step toward resolution and well-being. An evaluation is a professional assessment, not a judgment, designed to understand an individual’s substance use patterns and recommend an appropriate course of action.
This comprehensive assessment is a critical tool used in various situations, from court mandates to employment requirements. For many, it serves as the first step on a path to recovery, providing a clear, professional opinion on the level of support needed. Whether you’ve been asked to complete one by a court in Georgia or you’re seeking answers for yourself or a loved one, this guide will explain what an alcohol and drug evaluation entails.
The Purpose of an Evaluation
At its core, an alcohol and drug evaluation is a structured process to determine the extent of an individual’s substance use and its impact on their life. It’s not designed to be punitive. Instead, its primary goal is to gather information to make an informed and objective recommendation. A certified professional conducts the assessment to identify the presence and severity of a substance use disorder (SUD) according to established clinical criteria.
The findings help determine the appropriate level of care. This could range from no treatment being necessary to educational programs, outpatient counseling, or more intensive treatment options. These evaluations are frequently required in legal situations, such as DUI arrests, child custody cases, or probation requirements, providing the court with a clinical perspective to guide its decisions. They are also used by employers, licensing boards, and individuals seeking help voluntarily.
What to Expect During the Process
The evaluation process is thorough and multifaceted, designed to create a complete picture of your situation. While the specifics can vary, it generally involves a few key components.
The Clinical Interview
The main part of the assessment is a one-on-one interview with a qualified evaluator or counselor. This confidential conversation covers various aspects of your life. You will be asked about your history of alcohol and drug use, including the types of substances used, frequency, and quantity. The discussion will also touch on your medical history, mental health, family background, employment status, and social life. Honesty is crucial during this stage. The evaluator needs accurate information to make an appropriate recommendation that genuinely helps you.
Standardized Screening Tools
In addition to the interview, you will likely complete one or more standardized questionnaires. These are scientifically validated screening tools that help the evaluator objectively assess your substance use patterns against established benchmarks. Common examples include the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI) or the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST). These tools provide quantitative data that complements the qualitative information gathered during the interview.
The Final Report and Recommendations
After gathering all the necessary information, the evaluator will compile a comprehensive report. This document summarizes their findings and provides a clinical diagnosis if applicable. Most importantly, it will include specific recommendations for the next steps. These recommendations are tailored to your individual needs. If a substance use disorder is identified, the report will suggest a specific level of care, such as an 8-hour educational course, weekly counseling sessions, or a more intensive outpatient program. This report is then provided to you and, with your consent, to the referring party like a court or lawyer.
For those in Georgia seeking a thorough and compassionate assessment, it’s important to find a provider who understands the local legal and personal needs. A proper alcohol and drug evaluation Atlanta service will guide you through each step with professionalism, ensuring the recommendations are fair, accurate, and truly beneficial for your circumstances.
The Importance in Legal and Personal Contexts
The significance of an evaluation extends far beyond fulfilling a requirement. In a legal context, successfully completing a recommended program can be a key factor in resolving a case favorably. It demonstrates to the court that you are taking the situation seriously and are proactive about addressing any potential issues. This can lead to reduced penalties, retained driving privileges, or positive outcomes in custody disputes.
On a personal level, the evaluation can be a pivotal moment. It offers a confidential, non-judgmental space to honestly assess your relationship with substances. For many, it is the first time they receive clear, professional feedback and a concrete plan for moving forward. This clarity can empower you to make positive changes, improve your health, and repair relationships, setting you on a path to a more stable and fulfilling future. The right provider will support you in turning this requirement into an opportunity for growth.
Choosing a certified center is crucial for ensuring the assessment is handled correctly and meets all necessary standards. If you are looking for an alcohol and drug evaluation Marietta residents can trust, it is important to select a service with a proven track record of professionalism and client support.
WHY CHOOSE AACS IN MARIETTA?
Finding the right evaluator and counseling center can be overwhelming. At American Alternative Court Services, your journey to recovery will be an easy transition. We believe that you should fully participate in the collaborative recovery process to gain the greatest benefits. We offer several effective counseling sessions with flexible schedules for both working adults and students. To find out more about alcohol and drug evaluation in Atlanta, please call our office at 800-683-7745.
Ultimately, an alcohol and drug evaluation is a constructive tool designed to provide clarity and direction. It offers a structured way to assess substance use and create a personalized roadmap for the future, whether for legal compliance or personal growth.
AACS Atlanta
AACS Atlanta Outpatient Addiction Counseling, Addiction Counseling in Georgia.
