The Importance of Assessments for Substance Use

Substance use can be challenging to overcome, but there is hope — especially when we can catch things early. The earlier the intervention, the more likely we are to prevent long-term issues. 

Running a full assessment of each person’s situation and needs is one of the most effective ways to intervene. PARS provides professional assessments for people who are self-referred, referred by schools, or referred by the court system. We use these assessments to pinpoint each person’s risk for substance use and figure out what they need to feel supported.

What is a Substance Use Assessment?

A substance use assessment is a compassionate conversation that helps us understand a person’s individual level of risk for substance use and find solutions. We talk about substance use and everything else going on in their life, from their emotional health to their daily experiences. 

Our comprehensive assessments help us understand the full scope of what each person is going through. From there, we can make the recommendations to help them overcome substance use and lead a healthy, happy, and meaningful life.

The Assessment Process at PARS

When someone comes to PARS for a substance use assessment, we match them with one of our licensed addiction counselors who are trained to evaluate a person’s risk for substance use. 

Here’s what to expect at a PARS assessment:

1. Personal Interview: An experienced counselor will have a friendly conversation with you to get to know you and understand your situation. This includes questions about your substance use history, mental health history, family background, personal challenges, and how you’re feeling overall.
2. Screening Tools: PARS uses detailed questionnaires to give counselors a better sense of your circumstances and needs. These may include CRAFFT+N Questionnaire for Youth, SASSI for adults, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), which identifies alcohol use disorders.
3. Additional Questionnaires: We may ask additional questions to get detailed insights into past experiences or emotional challenges that might be impacting you, such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and co-occurring mental health disorders.

After the assessment, our caring counselors will create a clear recovery plan just for you, including recommended next steps. Recommendations may include education, counseling, outpatient treatment, or a referral to an inpatient program.

Why Assessments Matter

An assessment might sound overwhelming, but it’s really just a chance to help us understand what’s happening in your life.

Many factors can contribute to substance use. For example, maybe you’ve been through traumatic experiences, are dealing with anxiety or depression, or are facing stressful life circumstances. At PARS, we take time to hear your whole story so we can recommend the specific type of support you need to address substance use and any related issues.

Who Needs an Assessment

We use our assessment process to help many different people, including: 

• Adolescents Referred by Schools: If a school is concerned about a student or the student self-reports substance use, the school may refer them to PARS for an assessment. We work with the student to figure out if they need extra support.
• Adults Referred by the Courts: For adults involved with the justice system, such as after a DUI arrest, PARS works with the courts to provide substance use evaluations.
• Self-Referrals: Anyone who is simply concerned about their own substance use can always reach out to PARS directly. Our door is open, and we’re here to help you understand what’s going on and find the right path forward.