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.

Professional Resources

Addiction Counseling Programs, Training & Professional Organizations

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

A curated directory of accredited addiction counseling programs, professional organizations, credentialing bodies, and training resources for counselors, CADCs, social workers, and addiction professionals across the United States.

Professional Organizations

Key Organizations for Addiction Professionals

NAADAC — National Association for Addiction Professionals

The leading membership organization for addiction counselors. Offers MAC credential, CEU courses, and approved education provider directory.

https://www.naadac.org →

IC&RC — International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium

Administers the ADC, CADC, and other addiction counseling credentials recognized in most US states and internationally.

https://internationalcredentialing.org →

SAMHSA — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Federal agency providing treatment locators, evidence-based practice resources, and addiction counselor training materials.

https://www.samhsa.gov →

NACATP — National Association of Court Approved Treatment Providers

Founded by Dr. Derek Collins. Supports court-involved treatment providers with training, credentialing, and resources.

https://nacatp.org →

ASAM — American Society of Addiction Medicine

Publishes the ASAM Criteria (4th Ed.) — the gold standard for level-of-care determination in substance use evaluations.

https://www.asam.org →

NIDA — National Institute on Drug Abuse

Research-based resources on substance use disorders, screening tools, and evidence-based treatment approaches.

https://nida.nih.gov →

CACREP — Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs

Accredits graduate counseling programs including addiction counseling specializations at universities nationwide.

https://www.cacrep.org →

The Diversion Center

Led by Dr. Derek Collins. Provides court-approved treatment, in-house training for probation/parole agencies, and professional development resources.

https://thediversioncenter.com →

University Programs

Top Addiction Counseling Programs at U.S. Universities

These programs prepare students for careers in addiction counseling, substance use evaluation, and court-involved treatment. How to Write a Substance Use Evaluation serves as an ideal supplemental resource for students in any of these programs.

Program	Location	Degree	Notes
Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies	Minnesota / Online	MA in Addiction Studies	Nationally recognized, CACREP-accredited addiction counseling program.
University of Michigan School of Social Work	Ann Arbor, MI	MSW with Substance Use Specialization	Top-ranked social work program with strong addiction counseling track.
Columbia University School of Social Work	New York, NY	MSW — Substance Use Concentration	Ivy League program with clinical and policy tracks in addiction.
UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs (ISAP)	Los Angeles, CA	Research & Training Programs	Leading addiction research and training center affiliated with UCLA.
Grand Canyon University	Phoenix, AZ / Online	BS/MS in Addiction Counseling	Widely accessible online programs aligned with CADC credential requirements.
Capella University	Online	MS in Addiction Counseling	Flexible online program for working professionals pursuing CADC or LCADC credentials.
Walden University	Online	MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Addiction Specialization	CACREP-accredited online program with addiction counseling concentration.
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health	Baltimore, MD	MPH / PhD — Substance Use Research	World-class research institution with addiction policy and treatment programs.
University of Maryland School of Social Work	Baltimore, MD	MSW — Substance Use Concentration	Strong clinical training program with court-involved and forensic tracks.
Boston University School of Social Work	Boston, MA	MSW — Behavioral Health Specialization	Nationally recognized program with addiction and mental health tracks.

For Program Directors: Bulk licensing of How to Write a Substance Use Evaluation is available for university departments and addiction counseling programs. Contact [email protected] for institutional pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Finding Addiction Counseling Training & Programs

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What is the difference between a substance use evaluation and a substance use assessment for court?+

The Essential Resource for Every Addiction Professional

Whether you are a student in an addiction counseling program, a newly credentialed CADC, or an experienced clinician expanding your practice — this guide gives you the evaluation writing framework you need.

Order the Guide Now