Before entering an substance use disorder (SUD) recovery program, your provider will ask you to complete an initial substance use assessment. This step provides a foundation for your treatment program and helps your care team get to know your relationship with addiction a little better. The Groups care team takes extra care to learn about your health needs before starting treatment. In this article, we’ll discuss what this assessment involves and why it’s an important part of the process, and dispel some of the common misconceptions surrounding it.
What is a substance use assessment?
Substance use assessments are preliminary evaluation tools that providers use to better understand your health, behaviors, and substance use history. They’re also used to identify your risk level for a substance use disorder (SUD). There are a few different types of substance use assessments, but the goal is the same: to learn more about what you’ve been through and how to help you move forward.
Your provider may use a variety of tools during this initial evaluation. Common types of substance use assessments include:
Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10)
DAST-10 is a 10-question screening tool that helps providers identify potential drug use problems. These “yes” or “no” questions are worded to gauge how much and how often a person uses illicit drugs. For instance, it typically includes questions like:
- Have you used drugs other than those required for medical reasons?
- Have you had “blackouts” or “flashbacks” as a result of drug use?
- Have you ever experienced withdrawal symptoms (felt sick) when you stopped taking drugs?
Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription medication, and other Substance use Tool (TAPS)
TAPS is a multisubstance screening tool for adults that contains two parts. The first section (TAPS-1) is a four-item screen for tobacco, alcohol, illicit drug, and nonmedical prescription drug usage in the past year. If you answer positively to any of those questions, you’ll move on to the second part (TAPS-2). This portion asks about the specific substances you’ve used.
Cut down, annoyed, guilty, eye-opener (CAGE) assessment
The CAGE questionnaire is usually used to evaluate someone for alcohol use, but it can be adapted for drug use (CAGE-AID). The CAGE tool isn’t as widely used anymore because other tests are usually more accurate. However, some providers may still use it alongside other tools to learn more about you. This brief test includes four questions:
- Have you ever felt the need to cut down on your drug use?
- Do you ever feel annoyed when people criticize your drug use?
- Have you ever felt embarrassed or guilty about your drug use?
- Eye-opener: Have you ever used drugs first thing in the morning?
A substance use assessment may be self-administered with a provider nearby to answer any questions you may have. But if you’re experiencing a literacy or language barrier, they can also be administered by your provider in an interview-style format. These screening tools usually only take someone a few minutes to complete, depending on the number of questions. However, a full assessment appointment with your provider may take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes.
5 reasons why SUD assessments are the first step
Substance use assessments offer much more than basic information about your drug use habits. These are very helpful tools in the beginning stages of your recovery. Providers like Groups take the time to do this step for several reasons, such as:
1. Your provider needs to know more about your substance use.
The primary reason for administering a substance use assessment is for a provider to find out more about your situation. Even though more in-depth conversations will happen between you and your care team, this first step creates a foundation they can build on throughout your recovery journey.
2. Assessments open the door to more meaningful conversations.
A self-assessment is a baby step in your recovery journey, but it’s an important one. Even though they ask simple, straightforward questions, this small step can help you feel more comfortable discussing your experience with opioid use and addiction with your care team. And the more open and honest you are with your providers, the easier it will be for them to help you figure out what to do next. If you don’t feel comfortable being honest with your provider, it’s worth trying to find someone that makes you feel safer.
3. They help your provider identify your risk level.
People experience SUD in different ways and to varying extents. Some people enter treatment programs right away, while others get the help they need after a longer period of time. Your care team needs to identify where you sit on this spectrum, and a substance use screening can help them gauge whether you’re at a low, moderate, or high risk for complications from drug use.
4. Substance use screenings support personalized health care.
Substance use treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. It depends on your health, substance use history, lifestyle, support system, and other key factors. These screenings help your care team develop an individualized treatment plan that’s tailored to your unique needs and recovery goals.
5. They can indicate possible complications and mental health conditions.
A substance use evaluation can help your provider learn which substances you’ve been using specifically. Since using several drugs can affect your health in an array of ways and increase your risk of complications, your provider needs to know about them before developing a treatment plan. They can also assess your risk for a possible mental health disorder during this evaluation.
Common substance screening misconceptions
If you’re feeling a little nervous about the idea of a substance use evaluation, just know that you’re not alone. Taking that first step — whether you’re simply learning about what an assessment involves or considering scheduling one yourself — can bring up a lot of emotions. That’s perfectly normal. Many misconceptions surround these assessments and what they entail.
To help bring you more peace of mind, we’ll clear up a few common myths about what a substance use assessment is and show how compassionate providers, like the team at Groups, approach this process with understanding and respect:
“I’ll be judged during this assessment.”
Groups is a judgment-free zone. Your answers are meant to help us get to know you, and you won’t be met with judgment about your past or current substance use behaviors.
“I have to know all the answers.”
It’s OK to not know all the answers. Some people have an answer for every single question, while others can only complete a few. Doing your best is what’s most important.
“It means I’m in trouble.”
Taking a substance use assessment doesn’t mean you’re in trouble. While it’s true that you may face legal consequences for illicit drug use, this isn’t a concern at Groups. Your provider is focused on how they can help you begin your journey toward recovery.
“Everyone will know about my OUD.”
The results of your assessment are confidential, so only you and your care team know how you’ve answered these questions. Your providers aren’t required to disclose what you tell them unless you’re at risk of harming yourself or others.
Receive personalized OUD care at Groups
Learning more about your journey is only the beginning. Take this brave first step with the compassionate care team at Groups. We offer evidence-based, community-powered treatment plans centered around whole-person care. We can help you control your cravings, build the right mix of skills, and provide medication to support your health and well-being.
During an initial intake appointment at Groups, you’ll talk with a licensed counselor or Recovery Consultant and answer questions about your health history. Next, you’ll meet with a provider to review any medical issues that could impact your treatment. Afterward, you’ll meet your local Group community members and core care team.
Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today at 888-858-1723 for more information or to begin your recovery. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
