Where to Get a Substance Abuse Assessment in Costa Mesa, CA

If you struggle with substance abuse, you are not alone. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.5 million people suffered from drug and alcohol addiction in 2023.[1]

It can be difficult to determine if you have a substance use disorder on your own. Addiction clouds your mind and judgment, making you question whether your drug and alcohol use is problematic or not. This is why it is always best to receive a substance abuse evaluation to figure out if you need professional addiction care.

Substance abuse assessments are designed to help addiction professionals determine if you need addiction treatment. They also help experts decide what level of care you need, what types of therapies are best for you, and more. Substance abuse evaluations are the blueprint for addiction treatment planning.

You can receive an evaluation in a variety of settings, including at the doctor’s, in a therapist’s office, at a psychiatrist’s appointment, and an addiction treatment program like Costa Mesa Detox.

In this article, you will learn:

• What is a substance abuse evaluation?
• Where can you get a substance abuse assessment?
• When is it necessary to get an addiction evaluation?

What is a Substance Abuse Assessment?

Substance abuse assessments are tools that addiction treatment providers use to determine what services they need to provide you with. They help decide what severity is your substance use disorder, whether you have co-occurring mental health conditions that need treatment, and more. In-depth assessments guide addiction experts through the individualized treatment planning process.

The main purposes of substance abuse evaluations include:

• Deciding if you suffer from a substance use disorder
• Assessing the severity of your addiction
• Determining if you have co-occurring physical or mental health conditions that need treatment
• Assessing how substance abuse has affected your life
• Evaluating your family’s history of addiction and mental illness
• Deciding if you need specialized treatments like medication-assisted treatment (MAT) or dual diagnosis treatment
• Allowing your treatment team to create an individualized treatment plan

A wide range of professionals can complete a substance abuse assessment, including primary care physicians, doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, psychiatrists, and addiction counselors. In the state of California, substance abuse assessments are vital tools that guide the drug and alcohol rehab process.

Where Can You Get a Substance Abuse Evaluation in Costa Mesa?

If you are worried that you might have an addiction, the best thing to do is receive an in-depth assessment. While it can be difficult to navigate addiction care for the first time, there are many places where you can get an official substance abuse evaluation.

The main places that offer substance abuse assessments in Costa Mesa include:

• Doctor’s Offices – You can ask a primary care physician to provide you with a substance abuse assessment. If they determine you have a substance use disorder, they can offer a referral to drug addiction treatment – which might be necessary depending on what health insurance you have.
• Therapists – If you see a therapist, you can ask them to evaluate you for a substance use disorder. Many therapists specialize in addiction, making them qualified to complete an assessment.
• Psychiatrists – Substance use disorders are mental health conditions that require a diagnosis. Psychiatrists are usually the providers who offer diagnoses, which means they are one of the best options for receiving a substance abuse evaluation.
• Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers – Any type of addiction treatment center will offer a substance abuse assessment before you begin treatment. You can go to a drug and alcohol detox like Costa Mesa Detox, a residential rehab, or an outpatient center like intensive outpatient programs (IOPs).

At Costa Mesa Drug and Alcohol Detox, we provide in-depth assessments to every client who walks through our doors. Our evaluations are risk-free and help us determine whether you need our services, how long you’ll need to stay in detox, and what services you’ll need to achieve long-term recovery. If you need further treatment, we can connect you with a rehab in Costa Mesa, CA to attend after you complete our medical detox program.

When is a Substance Abuse Assessment Necessary?

If you are struggling with abusing drugs and alcohol, you should consider getting a substance abuse assessment. When you are unsure whether you need an evaluation, you should reflect on whether you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a substance use disorder.

The main symptoms of substance use disorders include:[2]

• Using drugs or alcohol for longer than you intended to
• Wanting to quit using substances but being unsuccessful
• Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from substance use
• Experiencing cravings or urges to abuse drugs and alcohol
• Failing to meet responsibilities at home, school, or work because of drug and alcohol use
• Using substances in risky situations, such as while driving
• Continuing to use substances even when it causes physical or mental health issues
• Having to use larger doses of a drug to experience the desired effects
• Dealing with withdrawal symptoms when you stop using a substance

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek a substance abuse assessment. Receiving an assessment will make it possible for you to receive evidence-based treatments for addiction, like medical detox and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Get a Risk-Free Substance Abuse Assessment in Costa Mesa, California

Substance abuse assessments are the first step in any addiction treatment program. At Costa Mesa Detox, we provide every client with an in-depth assessment to determine their needs during detox and further treatment.

Costa Mesa Detox is more than just a detox facility; we are a community dedicated to hope, healing, and recovery. Our holistic approach to detoxification is rooted in the belief that every person has the potential to recover and thrive. We know that the path to sobriety can be challenging, but you don’t have to walk it alone.

Contact us today for more information on how to receive a substance abuse evaluation at our detox center in Costa Mesa, CA. We can help you begin the path toward long-term recovery!

References:

1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Highlights for the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
2. Psychiatry Online: DSM-5 Criteria for Substance Use Disorders: Recommendations and Rationale