Where to Get a Substance Abuse Evaluation in South Carolina

Substance abuse and addiction can keep you from choosing how to live your life. Instead of making decisions and working toward goals, your addiction is in the driver’s seat. It is important to recognize the symptoms of addiction and seek treatment as soon as possible.

Overcoming substance use disorder (SUD) can be very challenging. Getting comprehensive treatment to address the physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects of substance abuse can help.

People have different needs in recovery. There are several levels of care and many types of addiction treatment programs. Before you can begin treatment, it is critical to get a substance abuse evaluation.

This article will detail where to get a substance abuse assessment in South Carolina.

Reach out to the South Carolina Addiction Treatment specialists to learn about our assessment, treatment, and support programs. We are happy to answer your questions or help you schedule an assessment so you can begin your recovery journey.

What is a Substance Abuse Evaluation?

A substance abuse evaluation is a type of screening. This assessment allows medical and mental health professionals to assess the severity of your addiction, learn about mental health disorders, and determine which treatment services you need during detox and treatment.

A drug and alcohol assessment can give your treatment team valuable information about your mental and physical health. This information lets your team give you the most tailored, effective treatment possible.

People may choose to undergo a substance abuse evaluation before starting a treatment program. In other cases, people may undergo a court-ordered assessment at the direction of a judge or probation officer.

What Happens During a Substance Abuse Assessment?

Before you begin an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment program, a medical professional or addiction specialist will conduct a substance abuse assessment.

The assessment will consist of:

• Questions about your past and current substance abuse: what substances you use, how much, how often, how you ingest them, etc.
• Your medical history: any known medical conditions, prescription medications you take, etc.
• Your mental health history: any known mental health conditions, history of hospitalization, prescription medications, etc.
• An evaluation of your willingness to change
• A relapse risk evaluation
• Questions about your behaviors and environment
• Information about your insurance coverage

Having a substance evaluation is often the first step of a person’s recovery journey. It is important to answer these questions honestly. Providing accurate, honest information can help your treatment team create the most effective treatment program possible.

South Carolina Addiction Treatment accepts the following insurance providers

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What are the Goals of a Substance Abuse Assessment?

The primary goal of a substance abuse evaluation is to determine your needs during treatment. This assessment can provide insights about your alcohol or drug use and mental health, as well as other relevant health information.

Your treatment team will use this information to create an effective detox and treatment plan. Your assessment may include:

• Identifying co-occurring mental health and medical conditions
• Identifying symptoms of drug or alcohol addiction and dependence
• Determining the length and severity of your addiction
• Verifying your insurance details
• Determining an appropriate level of care or course of treatment

It is critical to have a substance abuse evaluation before entering a treatment center. This information can help your treatment team keep you safe during detox and rehab. It also helps them provide the most effective course of treatment to meet your unique needs.

Your treatment team will reassess your needs throughout rehab and adjust your treatment plan as your needs change.

Do I Need a Substance Abuse Evaluation?

It can be challenging to recognize the signs of substance abuse or addiction. However, addiction can change the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Knowing common signs of addiction can help you identify a problem and seek treatment.

Common signs of addiction include:

• Using an addictive substance more often
• Needing to drink more or use more of a drug to get the desired effects
• Having cravings for drugs or alcohol
• Isolating or only spending time with others who abuse drugs or alcohol
• Having social, financial, or legal trouble related to your substance use
• Neglecting your relationships, responsibilities, and hobbies because of substance use
• Falling behind at work or in school
• Taking risks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, such as having unprotected sex or driving drunk
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you don’t use drugs or alcohol

It can be challenging to admit you need help for addiction, but getting help can save your life. Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Take the first step toward a healthier future by asking for help today.

Find an Assessment or Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Reach out to the team at South Carolina Addiction Treatment now to learn about our comprehensive addiction treatment and support programs.