Others secretly worry but minimize the impact of their use by blaming other people or circumstances.

Still others realize there is a problem, perhaps they've been told by family members or an employer that they may "need some help," but aren't sure how serious it might be or what help is available.

At Hazelden, we understand and do not assume a diagnosis of alcoholism or other addiction. Without expert assessment and diagnosis, the struggle for answers is often an exhausting search that offers no resolution.

Also known as screening or evaluation, the alcohol and drug assessment process leads to an accurate diagnosis along with recommendations designed to help individuals make informed decisions about the next step. Recommendations may include addiction treatment, if warranted, or referrals to physical and mental health practitioners, family counselors, or other helping professionals. When appropriate and upon requests, efforts are made to identify service providers in the client's home community.

How is an alcohol and drug assessment done?
Within the Hazelden system, an alcohol and drug assessment or evaluation may be a simple phone interview with a clinician or perhaps a face-to-face meeting with a counselor. The term "evaluation" is often used to describe a more comprehensive process where a patient may actually come and stay for a period of days and participate in a full battery of tests and assessments. Whatever the form, an assessment is the place to start, and Hazelden can help.

All Hazelden locations offer some level of screening, assessment or evaluation.

To find out more about assessments, or to schedule an appointment, call Hazelden at 1-800-257-7810.

search terms: alcohol and drug use assessment evaluation