How do you write a substance use evaluation?

Writing a substance use evaluation involves five key stages: (1) conducting a structured clinical interview using validated screening tools such as the AUDIT, MAST, DAST, or SASSI-4; (2) completing a biopsychosocial assessment that covers biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors; (3) applying DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria to determine a substance use disorder diagnosis; (4) using the ASAM Criteria (4th Edition) to match the client to an appropriate level of care; and (5) writing a clear, defensible report with clinical rationale and treatment recommendations. The guide 'How to Write a Substance Use Evaluation' by Dr. Derek Collins walks you through every step.

What is included in a substance use evaluation?

A comprehensive substance use evaluation includes a clinical interview, substance use history, biopsychosocial assessment, mental health screening, DSM-5-TR diagnostic formulation, ASAM level-of-care determination, collateral information review, and a written report with treatment recommendations. Court-ordered evaluations also include risk assessment and legal history.

What tools are used in a substance use assessment?

Commonly used screening and assessment tools include the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), MAST (Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test), DAST (Drug Abuse Screening Test), SASSI-4 (Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory), and the CAGE questionnaire. These are paired with the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria and ASAM Criteria for level-of-care placement.

Can beginners learn to write substance use evaluations?

Yes. 'How to Write a Substance Use Evaluation' by Dr. Derek Collins is specifically designed for beginners and developing professionals. It removes the fear and anxiety of writing evaluations for the first time by providing concrete interview questions, sample reports, and step-by-step guidance grounded in DSM-5-TR and ASAM Criteria.

Is this guide appropriate for university addiction counseling programs?

Yes. This guide is an ideal supplemental textbook for undergraduate and graduate programs in addiction counseling, social work, psychology, and behavioral health. It provides students with a practical, real-world framework for writing evaluations before they enter clinical practice.

What is a court-ordered substance use evaluation?

A court-ordered substance use evaluation is a formal clinical assessment mandated by a judge or legal authority to determine whether an individual has a substance use disorder and what level of treatment is appropriate. The evaluation must be clinically sound and legally defensible, following DSM-5-TR diagnostic standards and ASAM Criteria for level-of-care recommendations.

What is the ASAM Criteria and how is it used in substance use evaluations?

The ASAM Criteria (4th Edition) is the most widely used framework for matching patients to appropriate levels of addiction treatment. It assesses six dimensions: acute intoxication/withdrawal, biomedical conditions, emotional/behavioral conditions, readiness to change, relapse potential, and recovery environment. Evaluators use it to recommend outpatient, intensive outpatient, residential, or medically managed treatment.

Credential Reference Guide

Substance Use Counseling Credentials & Licensing Boards

Name: How to Write a Substance Use Evaluation
Availability: InStock
Author: Derek Collins

A comprehensive reference for every major national and state substance use counseling credential. Whether you hold a CADC, CSAC, LCADC, MAC, SAP, or any state-level license, the ability to write a defensible substance use evaluation is a core professional competency — and this guide provides exactly that framework.

National Addiction Counseling Credentials

These credentials are recognized across the United States and are administered by national bodies such as NAADAC, IC&RC, and NBCC.

CADC

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Administered by: IC&RC

Entry-level national credential for addiction counselors. Requires education, supervised hours, and passing the ADC examination.

CADC-II

Advanced Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Administered by: IC&RC

Advanced-level credential requiring additional education, clinical hours, and demonstrated competency in complex cases including court-involved populations.

CAC I/II/III

Certified Addiction Counselor (Levels I, II, III)

Administered by: Various State Boards

Tiered credential system used in many states, progressing from entry-level to advanced clinical practice.

CSAC

Certified Substance Abuse Counselor

Administered by: State Boards (VA, others)

State-level credential with emphasis on assessment, treatment planning, and documentation — core skills addressed in this guide.

LCADC

Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Administered by: State Boards

Clinical-level licensure requiring a master's degree and supervised clinical hours. Authorizes independent practice including evaluation writing.

LADC

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Administered by: State Boards

State licensure credential for addiction counselors, with requirements varying by state.

MAC

Master Addiction Counselor

Administered by: NAADAC

Advanced national credential from NAADAC requiring a master's degree and extensive clinical experience in addiction treatment.

SAP

Substance Abuse Professional

Administered by: DOT / SAP Registry

Federal credential for evaluating employees who violate DOT drug and alcohol regulations. Requires proficiency in evaluation writing.

CCDP

Certified Co-occurring Disorders Professional

Administered by: IC&RC

Specialized credential for professionals treating individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.

CCJP

Certified Criminal Justice Professional

Administered by: IC&RC

Specialized credential for addiction professionals working in criminal justice, probation, parole, and court-involved settings.

MATS

Master Addiction Treatment Specialist

Administered by: NACATP

Advanced credential from the National Association of Court Approved Treatment Providers, emphasizing court-involved treatment and evaluation.

CADAC

Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor

Administered by: State Boards

State-level credential used in several states, equivalent to CADC in scope and practice requirements.

CAADC

Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Administered by: IC&RC

Advanced national credential for experienced addiction counselors with demonstrated expertise in complex clinical situations.

CRADC

Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Administered by: Illinois IAODAPCA

Illinois-specific advanced credential with reciprocity recognition across IC&RC member jurisdictions.

Clinical Licensure Credentials

These clinical licensure credentials authorize the holder to conduct substance use evaluations as part of their scope of practice.

LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Administered by: State Social Work Boards

Master's-level clinical licensure. LCSWs frequently conduct substance use evaluations in court, hospital, and community settings.

LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Administered by: State Counseling Boards

Clinical counseling licensure authorizing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning including substance use evaluations.

LPCC

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Administered by: State Boards (CA, OH, others)

Advanced clinical counseling licensure used in California and other states, with full assessment and diagnostic authority.

LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Administered by: State Boards (FL, NY, others)

Clinical mental health licensure used in Florida, New York, and other states. Authorizes substance use evaluation in clinical settings.

LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Administered by: State MFT Boards

Clinical licensure for marriage and family therapists, many of whom conduct substance use evaluations in family court contexts.

PhD / PsyD

Licensed Psychologist

Administered by: State Psychology Boards

Doctoral-level licensure with full authority to conduct forensic and clinical substance use evaluations.

PMHNP

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Administered by: State Nursing Boards

Advanced practice nursing credential with prescriptive authority and scope to conduct substance use evaluations.

QMHP

Qualified Mental Health Professional

Administered by: State Behavioral Health Agencies

Designation used in many states to identify professionals qualified to conduct mental health and substance use assessments.

CRC

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

Administered by: CRCC

National credential for rehabilitation counselors, many of whom work with substance use populations in vocational and court settings.

NCC

National Certified Counselor

Administered by: NBCC

National counseling credential from NBCC that supports a broad scope of clinical practice including substance use assessment.

State-by-State Addiction Counseling Credentials

Each state maintains its own addiction counseling credential and licensing board. This guide supports professionals in all 50 states.

CADC / CATC

California

Administered by: CA DHCS / CCAPP / CADTP

California recognizes CADC and CATC (Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor) credentials through multiple approved certifying organizations.

LCDC

Texas

Administered by: TX DSHS

Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor — Texas state licensure for addiction counselors, requiring education, supervised hours, and examination.

CAP

Florida

Administered by: FL DBPR

Certified Addictions Professional — Florida's primary addiction counseling credential, administered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

CASAC

New York

Administered by: NY OASAS

Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor — New York's primary addiction credential, administered by OASAS.

CADC / CRADC

Illinois

Administered by: IL IAODAPCA

Illinois recognizes CADC and CRADC credentials through the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association.

CDCA / LCDC II / LICDC

Ohio

Administered by: OH CDCA Board

Ohio's tiered addiction counseling credential system, from Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant through Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor.

CADC / CAADC

Georgia

Administered by: GA ADACBGA

Georgia's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board administers CADC and CAADC credentials for addiction counselors.

CCDP / CAADC

Pennsylvania

Administered by: PA CAADC Board

Pennsylvania recognizes Certified Co-occurring Disorders Professional and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor credentials.

CSAC / LCAS

North Carolina

Administered by: NC SAPPB

North Carolina's Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board administers CSAC and LCAS (Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist) credentials.

CSAC

Virginia

Administered by: VA DBHDS

Certified Substance Abuse Counselor — Virginia's primary addiction counseling credential, administered by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

CAC I / II / III

Colorado

Administered by: CO DORA

Colorado's tiered Certified Addiction Counselor credential system, administered by the Department of Regulatory Agencies.

LADC

Minnesota / Massachusetts / Others

Administered by: State Boards

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor — used in Minnesota, Massachusetts, and several other states as the primary addiction counseling licensure.

LCDC / CADC

All Remaining States

Administered by: IC&RC Member Boards

All 50 states maintain addiction counseling credential boards affiliated with IC&RC. This guide supports evaluation writing competencies required by every state board.

Support Your Credential with the Right Evaluation Skills

Regardless of which credential you hold or are pursuing, this guide gives you the practical evaluation writing framework that credentialing bodies expect — and courts require.

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