What Happens at a Drug and Alcohol Assessment?

If you’ve been told you need a drug and alcohol assessment, or you’re considering one on your own, it’s normal to feel nervous. Maybe you’re worried about being judged, or unsure what you’ll be asked. Maybe you don’t know what happens with the results.

Here’s the good news. An assessment isn’t a test you can fail. It’s a conversation designed to understand your situation and point you toward the right kind of help. Here’s exactly what to expect.

What Is a Drug and Alcohol Assessment?

A drug and alcohol assessment is a structured evaluation conducted by a trained clinician. It looks at your substance use and how it affects your life. It’s sometimes called a substance abuse assessment, a chemical dependency assessment, or an addiction evaluation.

The goal is to answer a few key questions:

• Is there a substance use problem, and how serious is it?
• Are there mental health or medical concerns that need attention?
• What level of care, if any, is recommended?

At the end, you’ll receive recommendations. These could range from education or counseling to an intensive outpatient program or a higher level of care.

Who Needs a Drug and Alcohol Assessment?

People get assessed for many reasons:

• You’re worried about your own use and want an honest, professional opinion
• A family member or friend has expressed concern
• A court, probation officer, or attorney requires one, such as after an OVI/DUI [CONFIRM: whether RWHC performs court-ordered assessments]
• An employer or licensing board has requested one
• A doctor or hospital referred you after a health issue
• You want to start treatment. An assessment is the first step into almost any program.

What Happens at a Drug and Alcohol Assessment: Step by Step

1. Check-In and Paperwork

You’ll provide basic information, insurance details, and consent forms. This is also when you’ll learn about your privacy rights.

2. Screening Questionnaires

Many assessments include standardized screening tools. These are short questionnaires about how often you use, how much, and what effects you’ve noticed.

3. The Clinical Interview

This is the heart of the assessment. A counselor or clinician will talk with you one-on-one about your history and current situation. It’s a conversation, not an interrogation.

4. Medical and Lab Components

Some assessments include lab work, such as a drug screen. At Recovery Works, assessments can include laboratory tests along with medical history.

5. Recommendations

The clinician will share their findings and recommend next steps. You’ll have the chance to ask questions and talk through options.

What Questions Are Asked in an Addiction Assessment?

Questions typically cover:

Substance use history

• What substances have you used, and when did you start?
• How often do you use, and how much?
• When did you last use?
• Have you tried to cut back or quit? What happened?
• Have you experienced withdrawal symptoms?

Physical health

• Do you have any medical conditions?
• What medications do you take?
• Have you had any health problems related to substance use?

Mental health

• Have you experienced depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health concerns?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with a mental health condition?
• Are you currently having thoughts of harming yourself?

Daily life and relationships

• How is substance use affecting your work, school, or finances?
• How are your relationships with family and friends?
• Do you have a stable, safe place to live?
• Have you had any legal issues related to substance use?

Motivation and goals

• What made you decide to come in today?
• What would you like to change?

Many clinicians use the ASAM Criteria, a widely used framework for determining the right level of care. It looks at six areas: withdrawal risk, physical health, emotional and mental health, readiness to change, relapse risk, and your recovery environment.

How Long Does a Drug and Alcohol Assessment Take?

Most assessments take about 1 to 2 hours, though it varies. More complex situations, such as co-occurring mental health conditions or court requirements, can take longer. Plan to set aside a few hours so you don’t feel rushed.

What to Bring

• Photo ID
• Insurance card
• A list of your current medications and doses
• Contact information for your doctors or counselors
• Any court, probation, or referral paperwork, if applicable

Will My Information Be Kept Private?

Yes. Substance use treatment records are protected by strict federal confidentiality rules (42 CFR Part 2), along with HIPAA. In general, your information can’t be shared without your written consent, except in limited situations like medical emergencies. If a court or employer requested your assessment, you’ll be asked to sign a release before any results are shared with them.

Tips for Your Assessment

• Be honest. Recommendations are only as accurate as the information you share. Clinicians have heard it all, and they’re there to help, not judge.
• Don’t minimize or exaggerate. Describe your use as it actually is.
• Ask questions. It’s your care.
• Don’t come in intoxicated. If you’re at risk of withdrawal, though, don’t stop suddenly beforehand. Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can be dangerous. Call ahead and tell the team.

What Happens After the Assessment?

Based on your results, you may be recommended:

• No treatment or education only, if no significant problem is found
• Outpatient counseling, such as a Non-Intensive Outpatient Program
• An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for more structured support
• Medication-assisted treatment alongside counseling, for opioid or alcohol use disorder
• Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
• Medical detox or residential care, if you need a higher level of support

Walk-In Drug and Alcohol Assessments in Dayton

At Recovery Works Healing Center, adults can walk in for an assessment Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with no appointment needed, at two locations:

• Elmwood Park: 100 Elmwood Park Dr, Dayton, OH 45449 · (937) 889-2725
• Brown School Rd: 705 S Brown School Rd, Vandalia, OH 45377 · (937) 890-5400

Our assessments look at the whole picture: substance use, mental health, medical history, labs, family history, past trauma, and life circumstances. We accept all Ohio Medicaid plans and many commercial insurance plans.

Learn about admissions →

FAQs