What Happens During a Virginia DUI Substance Use Assessment?
Need a substance use assessment after a DUI in Virginia? Learn what to expect, what to bring, and how ASAM criteria determine your next steps.
Introduction: A DUI Can Turn Your Whole Life Upside Down — But the Assessment Doesn’t Have To
If you’re reading this, you’re probably dealing with a VASAP requirement, court mandate, or attorney request for a substance use assessment.
And let’s be real: most people walk in nervous, unsure what’s going to happen, and worried about being judged.
Here’s the good news:
A substance use assessment is not designed to punish you.
It’s designed to understand what happened, make sure it doesn’t happen again, and determine what level of support (if any) you actually need.
The process at ThinkWell Counseling Online is supportive, respectful, confidential, and fully aligned with ASAM criteria — the industry standard used across Virginia.
What Is a Substance Use Assessment?
A substance use assessment is a structured clinical evaluation used to determine:
- Your pattern of alcohol or drug use
- The risk associated with those patterns
- Whether treatment is recommended
- What level of care you need (if any)
- Your readiness for behavior change
Courts often request these assessments after:
- DUI or DWI
- Public intoxication
- Reckless driving involving alcohol
- Positive drug screen
- Legal concerns related to substances
This is a one-time evaluation, not ongoing therapy (unless you want it).
What to Expect During Your Assessment
At ThinkWell, the process is private, and usually about 60–75 minutes.
1. Review of Reason for Referral
We’ll talk about:
- The incident
- When it occurred
- Your BAC (if applicable)
- Whether this is your first offense
- Any legal recommendations from your attorney or VASAP
This is not an interrogation — it’s context.
2. Personal & Medical History
We explore:
- Family background
- Mental health history
- Medical conditions
- Medications
- Stressors
- Sleep patterns
- Support system
Substance use never happens in a vacuum. This part helps us understand the full picture.
3. Substance Use History
This includes:
- Alcohol use patterns
- Frequency, quantity, and context
- Past experimentation
- Past treatment (if any)
- What has changed since the incident
- Any current symptoms
Many people evaluated after a DUI are not struggling with addiction — and ASAM criteria helps make that distinction clear.
4. ASAM Criteria Review
ASAM looks at six dimensions, including:
- Intoxication/withdrawal risk
- Medical health
- Mental health
- Readiness to change
- Relapse risk
- Recovery environment
This ensures your recommendation is fair, accurate, and aligned with national standards.
5. Final Recommendation
Your report may state:
- No treatment needed
- ASAM 0.5 Early Intervention
- ASAM 1.0 Outpatient treatment
Most first-time DUI clients are recommended for 0.5 Early Intervention or no treatment, depending on their history and risk factors.
What You Should Bring
- A photo ID
- Court paperwork (if available)
- VASAP referral paperwork (if applicable)
- A clear timeline of the DUI incident
- Any past treatment documentation
If you’re missing something, don’t panic — we can still complete the evaluation.
How Long Does It Take?
The appointment is 60–75 minutes.
The written report is completed within 72 hours.
Rush requests are available.
What Happens After the Assessment?
You’ll receive:
- A full written report
- A recommendation summary
- Documentation for your attorney or VASAP
- Next steps based on your level of care
Reports are sent directly to you unless you request attorney release.
Need your assessment quickly?
Schedule your Virginia DUI substance use assessment today at ThinkWellCounselingOnline.com.
Flexible scheduling. Private. Professional. ASAM-aligned.