Everything You Need to Know (All in One Place)
You’ve been ordered to get an alcohol and drug evaluation. Or maybe you’re considering it voluntarily. Either way, you have questions.
- What exactly is an evaluation?
- How much does it cost? How long does it take?
- What happens after?
- Will my case be dismissed?
- Do I need a lawyer?
This comprehensive guide answers every question you might have about alcohol and drug evaluations in Marietta, Georgia. Whether you’re just starting the process or trying to understand what comes next, you’ll find everything here.
Quick Reference: Evaluation Overview
- What it is: Professional clinical assessment of substance use
- Who requires it: Courts, employers, DDS, probation/parole
- Who conducts it: Licensed counselors, psychologists, and addiction specialists
- How long: 90-120 minutes typically
- Cost: $89-$165 standard (varies by provider and type)
- Where in Marietta: AACS Atlanta (multiple locations)
- Results timeline: 2-3 business days
- What happens next: Treatment recommendations
- Court acceptance: All recommendations are court-approved
1. Understanding the Basics
What Exactly is an Alcohol and Drug Evaluation?
An alcohol and drug evaluation is a structured clinical assessment conducted by a licensed professional. It determines whether you have a substance use disorder and, if so, what level of care you need.
The evaluator gathers information through:
- Clinical interview (60-90 minutes)
- Standardized questionnaires (SASSI, MAST, AUDIT, ASAM)
- Analysis of your substance use history
- Assessment of life consequences
- Review of mental health factors
- Evaluation of family history
Result: A written report with diagnosis and treatment recommendations
Why Do You Need One?
Court-ordered:
- DUI/DWI arrests require evaluation
- Drug possession charges
- Any substance-related crime
- Probation/parole conditions
Employment-required:
- DOT violations or testing positive
- Professional licensing requirements
- Safety-sensitive job positions
- Company policy compliance
Voluntary:
- Personal health concern
- Family intervention
- Health insurance requirement
- Custody proceedings
Who Provides Evaluations in Marietta?
AACS Atlanta: State-licensed and certified provider
Credentials:
- 30+ years combined experience
- Licensed professionals
- Court-approved evaluators
- 100% court acceptance
- Same-day appointments available
2. The Complete Evaluation Process
Step 1: Schedule Your Appointment (5 minutes) and Provide:
- Your situation (court-ordered, voluntary, etc.)
- Preferred date/time
- Preferred location
- Any special needs
Result: Appointment confirmed, usually within 2-3 days
Step 2: Prepare for Your Appointment (1 week) and Gather:
- Valid photo ID
- Court order (if applicable)
- Insurance card
- Medication list
- Medical history notes
Prepare:
- Substance use timeline
- Family history information
- Mental health background
- Life impact assessment
Result: You’re organized and ready
Step 3: Attend Your Evaluation (2-2.5 hours)
- Registration: 10 minutes
- Clinical interview: 60-90 minutes
- Assessment tools: 15-20 minutes
- Discussion of findings: 10-15 minutes
During this time:
- Answer detailed questions
- Complete questionnaires
- Discuss findings with evaluator
- Ask questions about next steps
- Provide information for the court
Result: Comprehensive assessment completed
Step 4: Receive Your Report (2-3 days)includes:
- Clinical assessment summary
- Substance use disorder diagnosis (if applicable)
- Severity rating
- Level of care recommendation
- Specific treatment plan
- Timeline for completion
Copies sent to:
- You
- Your attorney
- The court
- Probation/parole (if applicable)
Step 5: Understand Your Possible Recommendations
No treatment: No disorder detected, case may close
8-hour class: Mild use, educational focus, 1-2 days
ASAM class + counseling: Moderate use, 8-12 weeks
Intensive outpatient (IOP): Serious use, 9-20 hours/week, 90+ days
Inpatient program: Severe dependence, 30-90+ days
Step 6: Enroll in Treatment (Week 2)
- Contact the recommended program
- Schedule the first session
- Make payment arrangements
- Begin treatment
Result: You’re in the program, making progress
Step 7: Complete Treatment (2-16 weeks)
- Attend all sessions
- Maintain perfect attendance
- Engage fully
- Complete all requirements
- Get a completion certificate
Result: Program completion documented
Step 8: Submit Proof to Court (Week after completion)
- Attorney files completion documentation
- Court receives proof
- Judge reviews case
- Case resolved or modified
Result: Case moves forward or closes
3. Cost and Payment for Standard Evaluation
- Standard Assessment: $89-$165
- Virtual Evaluation: $99-$175
- Intensive Assessment: $200-$300+
What’s Included
- Professional clinical assessment
- Comprehensive written report
- Court-approved documentation
- Evaluator consultation
- Multiple copies for court/attorney
Payment Options
- Cash accepted
- Credit/debit card accepted
- Check accepted
- Payment plans available
- Insurance accepted (with copay)
Insurance Coverage
Many insurance plans cover evaluations. Coverage varies by plan. Ask provider about your specific insurance.
4. Treatment Timeline for Realistic Timeframe to Completion
- Week 1: Schedule and attend evaluation
- Week 2-3: Receive report, enroll in treatment
- Week 3-12: Complete recommended program (depends on level)
- Week 13-14: Court processes completion
- Week 15-20: Case resolved or modified
- Total: 3-5 months typically
Factors Affecting Timeline
- Level of care recommended (8-hour class vs. IOP)
- Your attendance and compliance
- Court schedule
- Program schedule availability
- Any complications or delays
5. Treatment Options Available for 8-Hour DUI School
- For: Mild substance use or first offense
- Cost: $89-$165
- Time: 1-2 days (8 consecutive hours)
- Format: Weekend or evening sessions
- Includes: Education about alcohol/drugs, DUI consequences, personal responsibility
ASAM Education Classes
- For: Mild to moderate use
- Cost: $300-$500
- Time: 12-20 hours spread over 6-10 weeks
- Format* Weekly classes (2-3 hours each)
- Includes: Substance abuse fundamentals, addiction disease model, relapse prevention
Individual Counseling
- For: Nearly all moderate+ recommendations
- Cost: $75-$150 per session (often covered by insurance)
- Time: Weekly 50-60 minute sessions for 8-52 weeks
- Format: One-on-one with licensed counselor
- Includes: Personalized therapy addressing your specific situation
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- For: Serious substance use disorder
- Cost: $1,500-$3,000+ (often insurance covers portion)
- Time: 9-20 hours per week for 90+ days
- Format: Group and individual sessions, usually 3-5 days per week
- Includes: Intensive counseling, skill-building, accountability, monitoring
Inpatient/Residential Treatment
- For: Severe substance dependence
- Cost: $5,000-$15,000+ (often insurance covers)
- Time: 30-90+ days
- Format: 24/7 residential care with medical supervision
- Includes: Medical detox, individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric care
6. What to Expect: Real Timeline Example
Your situation: First-time DUI arrest in Marietta
- Day 1-5: Get court order, schedule evaluation
- Day 6: Attend evaluation appointment (2 hours)
- Day 7-9: Evaluation report written
- Day 10: Receive report recommending ASAM class + 8 weeks counseling
- Day 11-14: Enroll in program, pay fees
- Day 15: Start first counseling session
- Day 15-70: Attend weekly counseling (8 weeks), complete ASAM class
- Day 71: Get completion certificate
- Day 72-77: Attorney submits proof to court
- Day 78-90: Court reviews, judge makes decision
- Outcome: Charges reduced or dismissed (in many cases)
- Total timeline: 3-4 months
8. Success Factors
What Leads to Good Outcomes
- Honest evaluation answers
- Perfect attendance in treatment
- Engagement in program
- Following recommendations exactly
- Addressing mental health issues
- Building support system
- Asking questions
- Early action (don’t delay)
- Professional evaluator choice
- Attorney coordination
What Hurts Your Case
- Minimizing during evaluation
- Missing treatment sessions
- Half-hearted engagement
- Delays in completing treatment
- Ignoring mental health issues
- Lack of support system
- Choosing unqualified provider
- Lying to evaluator
- Not taking it seriously
- Waiting too long to start
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will my case be dismissed?
A: Depends on charges, jurisdiction, and completion of recommendations. Attorney best to ask.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Evaluation is $89-$165. Treatment varies $150-$15,000+ depending on level recommended.
Q: Will my employer find out?
A: Not automatically. Confidential unless you authorize release. Some employers require completion.
Q: Can I do this online?
A: Yes, virtual evaluations are available and court-approved.
Q: What if I disagree with results?
A: Discuss with evaluator. Second opinion available if needed.
Q: How long until case is resolved?
A: Typically 3-5 months from evaluation to case resolution.
Q: Can I work while in treatment?
A: Yes. Most outpatient programs allow continued employment.
Q: Will there be drug testing?
A: Depends on recommendations. Some levels include testing.
Q: Is everything confidential?
A: Yes, except for court and attorney (by legal requirement).
Q: What happens if I don’t complete?
A: Court may issue bench warrant or additional penalties.
10. Next Steps: Start Now
This Week
- Schedule evaluation
- Gather documents
- Document substance use history
- Review this guide completely
Next Week
- Attend evaluation appointment
- Ask all questions
- Understand recommendations
- Take thorough notes
Week 3
- Enroll in recommended treatment
- Make payment arrangements
- Attend first session
- Commit fully
Ongoing
- Perfect attendance
- Full engagement
- Follow all recommendations
- Maintain support system
Related Resources
- Find Evaluations Near You: Alcohol and Drug Evaluation Near You
- Before Your Evaluation: How to Prepare for Your Assessment
- During Your Evaluation: What Happens During Your Evaluation
- After Your Evaluation: What to Expect After Your Assessment
Final Word
Getting an alcohol and drug evaluation might feel overwhelming right now. But you’re taking action. You’re being responsible. You’re moving forward.
Thousands of people complete this process successfully every year. With honest answers, commitment, and professional support, you will too.
The next few months are important. Make them count.
Let’s get you evaluated and on the path to resolution.
