Addiction Recovery Assessment

 
 

Alcohol and Drug Assessment
For those assessing concerns about potential substance abuse, the Addiction Recovery Program at UAB can help. The self-assessment below allows prospective patients to review common signs and symptoms of addiction. If you answer “Yes” to any of these questions, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule an in-depth evaluation with a member of our highly trained clinical staff. Our number is (205) 975-7350.

Self-assessment

  1. Do you feel that you have a problem with alcohol or drugs?
  2. Are you ever preoccupied with thoughts of drinking or using?
  3. Do you drink or use alone?
  4. Do you drink or use regardless of the consequences?
  5. If you drink or use, can you stop after one glass or one hit?
  6. Have you risked losing your job or family because of drinking or using?
  7. Do you avoid social situations where you cannot drink or use?   
  8. Do you hide your use or lie about the extent of your use?
  9. Are you uncomfortable in social situations without using?
  10. Do you rely on drinking or using as a coping mechanism?

Psychiatric Assessment and Services
The Addiction Recovery program at UAB offers a full range of psychiatric individualized care for our patients. 

Dual diagnosis, sometimes referred to as “co-occurring” disorders, means a person suffers from drug or alcohol addiction along with other behavioral or mental health disorders.  Dual diagnosis is common, but difficult to navigate. A dual diagnosis capable recovery center can provide treatment for you if you or a family member is struggling with these. Located in the Center for Psychiatric Medicine, UAB’s ARP is uniquely equipped to treat patients with a wide range of psychiatric needs.  We have a psychiatrist on staff who is able to assess, treat, and follow our patients with psychiatric needs.  ARP  has access to all of UAB’s core psychiatric services provided including psychological testing, consultation, and hospitalization if someone needs a higher level of care due to psychiatric issues.    Our psychiatric staff is skilled at addressing psychiatric disorder in a way that does not interfere with addiction recovery.

Psychiatric Treatment services

  • Psychiatric assessment
  • Medication management/education, as needed
  • Consults when needed
  • Access to psychiatric unit if needed
  • Nurses trained in dual diagnosis treatment

Sexual Addiction Assessment
Sexual addiction, sexual anorexia, love addiction, and relationship addiction are multifaceted issues that require a thorough analysis to make a proper diagnosis. These issues frequently impact a person’s recovery from substance abuse and may require separate treatment.

The sexual addiction questionnaire below is the first step in identifying potential signs and symptoms of sexual-related addiction or issues. If you answer “Yes” to any of these questions, we encourage you contact us at (205) 975-7350.

Sex Addiction Screening

  1. Have you experienced difficulty resisting impulses to engage in sexual behaviors?
  2. Have you tried to stop, control, or reduce these behaviors?
  3. Have you thought of killing yourself because of your sexual behaviors?
  4. Have you experienced legal consequences due to your sexual behaviors?
  5. Do you spend large amounts of time trying to get sex or recover from being sexual?
  6. Do you ever feel anxious or irritable if you are unable to engage in sexual behaviors?
  7. Do you worry that others will find out about your sexual activities?
  8. Do you often find yourself preoccupied with sexual thoughts?
  9. Do you feel that your sexual behavior is not normal?
  10. Are you experiencing family problems as a result of your behaviors?   

Professional Evaluations
Evaluations at UAB are available to patients applying to the Professionals Program for addiction treatment. The assessment will help prospective patients, referents and organizations to make clinically sound decisions for patients who are unsure if they need addiction treatment, or the level of care they may require.

We also offer these to those who may have needs related to custody, employment, or matriculation.  The evaluation has been designed to explore particular issues identified by the concerned parties and to provide the patient and referring parties with comprehensive conclusions and recommended courses of action. Following the assessment, diagnoses and recommendations are presented and provided to the referral source in a detailed report.

Our multi-disciplinary evaluation team for addiction treatment includes:

  • Attending Physician
  • Psychiatrist
  • Counselor
  • Addiction Medicine Specialists
  • R.N.

Each evaluation may include:

  • Comprehensive history & physical examination
  • Psychiatric evaluation
  • Bio-psychosocial
  • Laboratory work and drug screens
  • Comprehensive psychological testing
  • Cognitive testing
  • Collateral Contacts
  • Group processing

Evaluation Process

  • Assuming the individual is appropriate, basic information about the evaluation is given to the evaluee, and basic information is gathered from the evaluee and the referral source.
  • The evaluee arrives, initial paperwork is completed, and labs are drawn.
  • Each component of the evaluation listed above is completed within an individual meeting. This takes place over a period of 3-5 days.
  • Collateral information is gathered with permission of evaluee.
  • Individual assessments are completed, and the principal members of the team meet to discuss the findings.
  • Evaluation team arrives at consensus regarding diagnoses and recommendations.
  • Based on this consensus, a written and signed document containing initial diagnoses and recommendations is sent to the referral source and then verbally communicated to the evaluee during the exit interview.
  • Within two to three weeks, a full report – containing all of the individual assessments, the collateral information, a summary of findings, and final diagnostic impressions and recommendations – is sent to the referral source. The report is also available to the evaluee upon request.

If you have further questions about addiction treatment, or would like to schedule an evaluation, please contact our Admissions and Outreach coordinator at 205-975-7350.