What happens when an adult charged with a D.W.I, D.U.I. or drug related charge comes to a certified program for a substance abuse assessment? Because I have been conducting “assessments” and preparing court reports for so many years, I sometimes forget that the “assessment process” is often scary and confusing for certain persons. Here, I attempt to explain this process.
The initial assessment interview is used to determine if there is a problem with use. Next, I determine the severity of the drinking (or drug) problem. Finally, together with the client, I determine the appropriate course of action for the person, whether it is education, treatment, or a combination.
A substance abuse or D.W.I. assessment conducted in our office covers possible impact of drinking or drug abuse on functioning in these areas:
- Precipitating Event
- Family history and relationships
- Education/employment history
- Legal history
- Previous or current psychiatric or mental health status
To gather this information, I utilize a variety of techniques including a clinical interview (questions and dialogue), the MAST (Michigan Alcoholism Screening Tests), Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI), Alcohol Use Inventory, and possibly a urinalysis screen.
Depending on the findings from the assessment interview, clients are placed into one of two categories: Social drinker or Problem drinker (similar categories for drug use).
If an individual is assessed as a “social drinker,” he or she is placed in a 6-week (12 hours) D.W.I. education course. The specific curriculum for this course is governed by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration.
If an individual is assessed as a “problem drinker,” he or she is referred to a weekly group for a period of a minimum of 26-weeks. This 26-week time period is again governed by the State guidelines. Depending on the severity of the problem, this may be a 26-week treatment group, an intensive outpatient treatment program, detoxification, an in-patient treatment program, or a combination of any of these choices. Our weekend intervention program may also be recommended.
The recommendation is always shared with the client at the time of the appointment and treatment options provided. A client may choose to participate in a Columbia Addictions Center program, or may need referral elsewhere. We always give information on alternative programs when appropriate.
According to the Alcohol and Drug Administration D.W.I. Program Protocol, a defendant shall be considered a problem drinker:
- If the defendant has a previous D.U.I. / D.W.I. or other alcohol related offense.
- Has a drinking history that indicates alcoholism or alcohol abuse or
- Test results from the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test indicate an alcoholism problem, generally a score of 5 or above.
On a personal level, I support the practice of persons having an evaluation and participating in an education or treatment program very soon after the arrest has occurred. I believe this is when one is thinking about the offense and real or possible consequences of that event. Participating in a group process helps the offender process his/her thoughts and feelings with others. Also, learning seems to be taken very seriously soon after the incident. Intervention appears to be most effective at this time, and if intervention is effective, the likelihood for re-offense should be lower.
The Columbia Addictions Center has been conducting substance abuse assessments, education, and treatment services for the D.W.I. and drug related offender for nearly 20 years. We are proud of the quality of our services and our contribution to the community. We welcome your inquiries and referrals.
