Overcoming The Fear Of Alcohol Assessment Minneapolis MN

By Janet Walker


Regardless of the circumstances, drug and alcohol assessments can be nerve-wracking. If the judge recently ordered you to complete one, do not panic! It is true that they vary based on your situation and location, but most have a similar structure. Understanding this can demystify it for you and take the fear out of completing this step in your legal process and personal progress. This article delves into the concept of Alcohol assessment Minneapolis MN and its implication.

The general assessment structure; First, it's important to remember that assessment is different than a screening. A screening determines whether or not you need a test. An assessment is a way to define and diagnose the suspected problem so that the counselor can formulate a plan of treatment for you.

To complete the assessment, the treatment agency needs several documents. Typically the attorney has custodian of these documents and will be provided to the treatment agency. However, if the attorney does not have the necessary documents, then the client will have to get the necessary paperwork to complete the examination. Below is a list of the documents needed and why?

Once they've been reviewed, you will be required to answer simple questions about your personal and family history and history of substance use. These questions may be oral, written, or both. Your answers to these questions will help determine your course of treatment. Remember that it's important to be honest, especially when a judge mandates your testing. Your answers are not to incriminate you but to satisfy the requirements of the law and develop a treatment program specific to your needs.

Copy of police report: This is pretty self-explanatory. If you're doing liquor and drug assessment due to a DUI arrest, then the treatment agency needs to see why you were arrested. They will review the police report in its entirety. Make notes on physical observations made by the arresting officer. Determine whether there are any signs of substance abuse or dependence based on account of the incident.

Regardless of the level of consumption, all of these drinking patterns are signs of liquor abuse and perhaps even dependence. To determine if you or someone you know is abusing liquor, there are several standardized screening questionnaires to identify the severity of the problem. For instance, there is the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) and the CAGE. Laboratory tests are often used to screen for alcohol dependence, and they are, by and large, liver function tests. The MCV, or Mean Corpuscular Volume, measures the size of red blood cells. For instance, when red blood cells are enlarged, the causes are chronic drinking.

Take initiative in the treatment. Following through with drug and alcohol assessments and resulting counseling sessions or programs will help to prove to the judge that you're taking discipline seriously and are motivated to move forward. Keep in mind that your attorney can explain what to expect from your specific plan of treatment.

Drug and alcohol tests aren't an enjoyable prospect, but having a better idea of what to expect can help ease your fear going into the process. Being proactive about your examination and treatment will benefit you in the long run, especially in the eyes of the judge. For specific questions about your exact test procedure, what to expect from the written and oral test, your outcome, and your treatment plan, consult your attorney. He or she will be there to help you every step of the way.




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