A first call to Catalina can lead to a brief screening and a clinical review of your substance use, mental health, and safety needs. The team discusses appropriate care, any outside medical assessment, and next steps. A web inquiry or phone screening does not replace a full clinical assessment or court-required evaluation.
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Drug and alcohol assessments at Catalina
Not everyone likes the idea of answering questions from a stranger about their drug and alcohol use. It can be hard to be honest about something so personal with addiction counselors or medical professionals.
A drug and alcohol assessment helps the clinical team understand how substance use is affecting your health and daily life. It also helps identify what kind of support might fit.
Ask how to start an assessment
What to expect when you reach out
- First callTell Admissions what has been happening and what kind of support you are looking for.
- Prescreen and clinical reviewA prescreen usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The clinical team reviews whether Catalina or another setting is appropriate.
- Discuss next stepsReview treatment options, any outside care needed first, and benefits or payment questions.
What is a drug and alcohol assessment like?
Admissions can ask about immediate needs and gather background during a first call. A clinical review considers the prescreen and whether a more detailed evaluation or an outside referral should happen first.
- Your recent and past alcohol or drug use
- Physical health, medications, mental health symptoms, and any prior withdrawal
- Previous treatment, current support, and changes in work, home life, or daily routines
Is there a difference between screening and assessment?
A screening helps identify concerns that may warrant a closer look. A fuller assessment considers how substances affect you, whether symptoms meet diagnostic criteria, and which level of care may be appropriate. An online inquiry starts a conversation. It does not complete a clinical assessment.
Discuss what an assessment involves
What kinds of questions can you expect?
An interviewer may ask how often you drink or use a substance, how much you take, and whether you have had cravings or trouble cutting back. You can also talk about symptoms that make it difficult to work, sleep, or take care of daily responsibilities.
Alcohol and drug screening tools
The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is an example of a tool for identifying potentially risky alcohol use (Babor et al., 2001). The Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT) is an example of a drug screening tool (Berman et al., 2005). The clinician chooses the tools that fit the situation and interprets the results alongside the interview.
What if the assessment is court ordered?
Ask your court, probation officer, or attorney what documentation and evaluator credentials are required. A Catalina admissions screening is for clinical fit. It may not satisfy a court’s requirements.
For eligible court or probation referrals, Admissions can discuss what documents Catalina may provide, who receives them, and what consent is required.
Ask what happens after assessment
What happens after the assessment?
An evidence-based treatment plan uses methods supported by research and clinical guidance for people with substance use disorders. This often involves approaching recovery in many different ways.
Some people find residential treatment works best for ongoing recovery. Other times, intensive outpatient programs or partial hospitalization programs provide enough support. Counseling may be part of residential care, outpatient care, or aftercare services at Catalina.
Catalina does not provide standalone medical detox. We can manage certain fentanyl and other opioid withdrawal onsite for eligible adults in residential care under physician direction. When alcohol or benzodiazepine detox or more intensive withdrawal care is needed, Admissions can help coordinate an outside referral.
Reach out about an assessment
Talk through assessment and treatment options
If possible, have a medication list and information about past treatment ready. You can ask about costs and verify your insurance as part of the admissions process.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the first screening?
The admissions prescreen usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. A fuller clinical assessment or outside evaluation may take additional time.
Do I need a diagnosis before I call?
No. You can start by describing what you are concerned about and what kind of help you need.
Is a screening enough for a court requirement?
Check with the referring authority. A clinical admissions screening may differ from the evaluation or documentation your court requires.
References
Babor, T. F., Higgins-Biddle, J. C., Saunders, J. B., & Monteiro, M. G.. (2001). AUDIT: The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test: Guidelines for use in primary care (2nd ed.). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/who-msd-msb-01.6a
Berman, A. H., Bergman, H., Palmstierna, T., & Schlyter, F.. (2005). Evaluation of the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT) in criminal justice and detoxification settings and in a Swedish population sample. Substance Use & Misuse, 40(2), 149–158. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15608468/
