What to Expect During a Court-Ordered Substance Abuse Assessment
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If you’ve been ordered by the court to complete a substance abuse assessment, it’s natural to feel anxious or unsure about what’s ahead. At Pacific Substance Abuse, we provide a professional and supportive environment that helps clients meet legal requirements while gaining insight into their behavior.
### Why Are Court-Ordered Assessments Required?
Courts often require a **drug or alcohol assessment** for individuals involved in:
- DUI or OWI charges
- Domestic violence incidents
- Probation violations
- Child custody cases
- Drug possession or related charges
The goal is to determine if substance use contributed to the offense and whether treatment is needed.
### What Happens During the Assessment?
Assessments typically include:
#### 1. **Intake Interview**
You’ll meet with a licensed substance abuse professional who will ask about:
- Your medical and mental health history
- Patterns of drug or alcohol use
- Family and social history
- Legal history and current charges
#### 2. **Screening Tools**
Standardized tools like the SASSI or ASI may be used to evaluate risk factors and dependency levels.
#### 3. **Diagnosis and Recommendations**
Based on your interview and screening results, the assessor may provide:
- A formal diagnosis (if applicable)
- Recommendations for treatment, education, or community programs
- A written report submitted to the court or probation officer
### How Long Does It Take?
The full assessment process usually takes **60–90 minutes**, with reports typically ready in **1–3 business days** depending on the case urgency.
### What If I Refuse the Assessment?
Failing to complete a court-ordered assessment can result in:
- Probation violations
- Fines or additional charges
- Jail time or loss of driving privileges
### Get Support Without Judgment
At Pacific Substance Abuse, we treat each client with dignity and respect. Our assessments are confidential, court-compliant, and designed to help—not punish.
📞 **Call 517.416.2010** or [contact us online](https://www.pacificsubstanceabuse.com) to schedule your court-ordered evaluation today.