Drinking Problem And Alcohol Assessment Minneapolis MN

By Janet Walker


If you have been arrested for a DUI offence, then your attorney may ask you to complete an alcohol and drug assessment. This assessment is probably the most important thing a defendant can do to help their attorney negotiate the case with the Prosecution. However, what structure does the Alcohol assessment Minneapolis MN assume?

The general assessment structure; First, it's important to remember that assessment is different than a screening. A screening determines whether or not you need a test. An assessment is a way to define and diagnose the suspected problem so that the counselor can formulate a plan of treatment for you.

Most drug and alcohol tests begin with the counselor reviewing paperwork and documentation provided to him or her by you or your attorney regarding your particular circumstances. These documents might include your driving record, documentation from your physician or workplace, your criminal record, and your arrest report.

Copy of driving abstract: In very rare cases an individual may be arrested for a DUI, but never charged. Typically with a DUI arrest, the Department of Licensing will take some administrative action against the driver's license. Treatment agencies understand this, and they want to see your driving record because of it.

What are the outcomes of Drug and Alcohol tests? The outcome of your test will either determine that you are not dependent on drugs and liquor, have a potential for abuse, or are chemically dependent. Based on these results, the counselor will recommend a course of treatment that will satisfy the judge's requirements. Your attorney can help you proceed with your treatment plan, as well.

Regardless of the level of consumption, all of these drinking patterns are signs of liquor abuse and perhaps even dependence. To determine if you or someone you know is abusing liquor, there are several standardized screening questionnaires to identify the severity of the problem. For instance, there is the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) and the CAGE. Laboratory tests are often used to screen for alcohol dependence, and they are, by and large, liver function tests. The MCV, or Mean Corpuscular Volume, measures the size of red blood cells. For instance, when red blood cells are enlarged, the causes are chronic drinking.

The results of the breath or blood test: Lastly a treatment agency will want to review the breath or blood test results. They want to see what happened, whether the observations made by the officer and your self-report of alcohol consumed is consistent with the breath or blood test results.

Drug and alcohol tests aren't an enjoyable prospect, but having a better idea of what to expect can help ease your fear going into the process. Being proactive about your examination and treatment will benefit you in the long run, especially in the eyes of the judge. For specific questions about your exact test procedure, what to expect from the written and oral test, your outcome, and your treatment plan, consult your attorney. He or she will be there to help you every step of the way.




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