A Chemical Health Assessment (sometimes called a Chemical Dependency Evaluation, Rule 25, or Chemical Use Assessment) is a one-on-one meeting with a health care worker where an interview takes place to determine if an individual has a substance use disorder (also known as Chemical Dependency, Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, or Substance Abuse). In the best cause scenario, you meet with a qualified Assessor who gets to know you, your wants and needs, and if necessary develops “treatment recommendations” that are effective and interest you.
Sadly, according to a severely critical 573 page report from the respected National Advisory Commission on Addiction Treatment, competent Chemical Health Assessments rarely happens because Evaluators lack the knowledge, skills, and credentials to recommend evidenced-based care and instead recommend inappropriate, ineffective, and excessive treatments.
However, you have the right to meet with an expert Assessor - such as Michael (612.249.3656) a Harvard-trained medical professional - who will listen to you and work with you to develop a recommendation that’s not only effective, but that’s also based upon your unique wants and needs. Make sure to select a medical professional that will listen to what you want and has the expertise to provide recommendations and referrals for the most effective treatments available (both medications and talk therapies that have strong scientific support for their effectiveness).
Frequently, people in need of an Chemical Health Evaluation hastily call their local treatment center for an evaluation and are recommended, through bias, outpatient or inpatient treatment at that center, which is highly unlikely to be the most evidence-based treatment option available. Even worse, the all-to-common "rehab recommendation" can be excessive, inappropriate, ineffective, and disruptive to your day-to-day life necessitating time off work and time away from your family.
Your best option to get the most appropriate recommendation – and where your voice is heard - is to schedule an assessment with a “Private Evaluator,” such as Michael (612-249-3656), who has advanced Harvard education in addictive disorders. He can meet you in a place convenient to you, and is unaffiliated with treatment centers.
Make sure you hire a neutral private assessor for your Evaluation that will work with you to see if treatment is appropriate and recommend the least intense, but most effective options.
Chemical Health Assessments can leave a lasting impact on your life. If diagnosed with a substance use disorder, this diagnosis can end up on your permanent medical record, which in turn may provoke lifelong stigma and potential increases in health insurance premiums. By working with an Evaluator in private practice, you are able to keep your Evaluation confidential.
What's more, if you have been convicted of a DWI, DUI, or other alcohol- or drug-related offense, courts and probation agents expect you to follow all recommendations and they use the Chemical Health Assessment recommendation to determine the intensity of your supervision. For example, if the recommendation states abstain from alcohol use and submit to drug testing, you are expected to follow the recommendation for the duration of your probationary period. Oftentimes, drug testing is an extremely costly out-of-pocket expense.
When working with Michael (612.249.3656) as your personal advocate, excessive and inappropriate recommendations are always avoided.