If you answered YES to any of the above questions on behalf of yourself or your client, we encourage you to set up a screening today. I may be able to help you get your license back and ensure that you don’t make that mistake again. There are certain regulations that dictate how we make an assessment.
The assessment consists of reviewing the drivers record, the lab results, interviewing the collateral sources, and writing it up.
We will meet once for the assessment. During which you will be asked questions about the incident, history of drinking and substance use, as well as explore family or work issues along with medical and legal history if any.
Step One
We will talk about the incident, what and how much you used, what were the circumstances, and how you came to get arrested. Was there an accident? Were there any injuries? So on and so forth.
We will also discuss your general relationship with substances, if this has been a problem in other ways or if you’ve had other arrests. We will explore the rest of your life, just to put the incident into context. I’ll ask about your job, your relationships, your family, your health, what you do for recreation, other legal issues. I’ll assess for mental health problems.
Step Two
I’ll need consent to review your driving record and interview at least two others who know you well, about your substance use.
You’ll have to go to a laboratory of your choice for a toxicology test. We will refer you to one that accepts your health insurance before our meeting.
Step Three
After the assessment, I will determine whether there is evidence of abuse of alcohol or other substances and whether the community is at risk if you were to regain your driving license.
Once all the data is collected, we will discuss my assessment. In some cases, no treatment will be necessary. If it is, I may be able to provide it. If you need more intensive help, I can refer you to a group or rehab.
I will enter all of our findings in the Impaired Driver System (IDS), a state-wide database. The courts, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and OASAS have access to the IDS.
If you disagree with my assessment, you’re free to get a second opinion, but you have to comply with the second one.