An estimated 1.5 million Floridians have a substance use disorder, and many are losing their lives because of it. For reference, the Florida Department of Health revealed that emergency medical services (EMS) responded to over 105,000 drug overdoses in the state in 2022. Another study from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) revealed there were 7,667 drug overdose deaths reported in the same year. Fortunately, these sobering statistics are motivating some people struggling with addiction to seek help.
The Role of Chemical Use Assessments in Addiction Recovery
One of the first things someone will do when they start an addiction recovery program in a Florida rehab is a chemical use assessment. Also known as a chemical dependency evaluation or alcohol assessment, a chemical use assessment is a confidential evaluation based on the framework developed by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). It involves a clinician, typically a drug counselor, social worker, or mental health professional, assessing various aspects of someone’s life and their struggles with drugs or alcohol. These evaluations, which typically last 1 to 2 hours, according to most Florida rehabs and data from the Palm Beach County Crisis Intervention Team, help clinicians identify the best course of treatment for someone trying to overcome addiction.
Health Insurance and Chemical Use Assessments
For individuals trying to overcome addiction and have health insurance, clinicians can present their findings from a chemical use assessment to get specific addiction recovery treatments that require preauthorization approved by their health insurance provider, according to data published by the Palm Beach County Crisis Intervention Team.
To learn more about the role of chemical use assessments in addiction recovery, consider speaking with a Drew Horowitz & Associates. LLC representative today.
