Compassionate Drug and Alcohol Evaluation Help
A certified addiction specialist will spend 60 to 90 minutes asking questions and taking notes about you during a drug and alcohol evaluation. During the assessment, the person’s drug use and any possible problems with addiction are looked at from different angles. The best way to treat someone is found through screening, assessment, follow-up, and referral services.
Clinically Reviewed by Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS
Medically Reviewed by Ali Nikbakht, PsyD
Updated on January 10, 2026 — Editorial Policy | Research Policy

If you or someone you value is dealing with alcohol or drugs, you might feel scared, confused, or even ashamed. Many people feel the same way before they reach out for help. A drug and alcohol evaluation can change everything for the better.
It helps you figure out what is really going on and shows the best path forward. Think of it as a caring conversation that leads to real support. You do not have to face this alone, and getting this evaluation often brings the first real hope to a drug addiction treatment.
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Why Consider a Drug and Alcohol Evaluation?
People seek evaluations for many reasons, and none make you bad; they make you human. You might need one because:
- A DUI or legal issue requires it to meet court rules.
- An employer requests it after a workplace incident or as part of keeping jobs safe.
- Family or friends worry about your drinking or drug use and how it impacts everyone.
- You feel ready to change but don’t know where to start.
No matter the trigger, this evaluation creates a clear path forward. It reveals if co-occurring issues like anxiety or depression play a role, which often happens.
If you’re searching for drug and alcohol evaluation near me, local centers like We Level Up Washington in Spokane Valley offer confidential assessments tailored to your situation.

What Happens During a Drug and Alcohol Evaluation?
Most evaluations last 60 to 90 minutes, though some go longer if needed. A certified counselor guides you through it step by step. You talk openly, and they might include a quick screening test. Here’s what to expect:
The In-Depth Interview
You sit down one-on-one and share your story. The counselor asks gentle questions about:
- Which substances do you use (alcohol, prescription meds, or others) and how often?
- When use started and if you’ve tried to cut back.
- How does it affect your mood, sleep, relationships, or job?
- Any past treatment, mental health concerns, or family history of addiction.
The Screening Tests
The counselor may ask for a simple test to check for recent substance use. Common types include:
- Urine tests These spot tests are used from the last few days or weeks and cost little
- Hair tests These show patterns over months, often for jobs or court
- Saliva or breath tests These work fast for very recent use
- Blood tests These give exact results in medical or legal cases
Wondering how long do drug test results take? Most urine results come back in 1 to 3 days. Hair tests might take up to a week. The best way to handle any test is to be honest from the start.
Many people worry about how to pass drug test. Trying to trick the system can make things harder and delay real help. Choosing recovery early brings the best results.
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After the Evaluation: Your Personalized Recommendations
When the session ends, the counselor reviews everything with you right away or soon after. They explain their findings clearly and suggest next steps that match your needs. Options might include:
- Outpatient programs where you attend sessions while living at home.
- Intensive support for deeper challenges, like dual diagnosis care for mental health and addiction.
- Simple education classes or counseling if use stays at a lower risk level.
If a court or employer ordered this, the report goes to them (with your consent on details). Otherwise, it remains private between you and the provider.
This step brings huge relief for most people.

How Evaluations Support Real Recovery
Drug evaluations do more than check boxes, they save lives by catching issues early. Studies from the National Library of Medicine show that people who complete thorough assessments and follow recommendations reduce relapse risks significantly. You gain insight into triggers, build coping skills, and reconnect, most importantly, remember you’re not alone.
At centers like We Level Up Washington, teams specialize in compassionate, evidence-based care right in your community.
Tips to Feel More Comfortable Going In
- Bring any court papers or referral info.
- Jot down questions beforehand.
- Remember: the counselor wants to help, not punish.
- Take a deep breath, you’re taking a brave step.
Get Help. Get Better. Get Your Life Back.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Where in Spokane Valley, Washington, can I get a drug and alcohol evaluation?
We Level Up Washington offers professional, confidential evaluations with same-week appointments often available.
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Where near Coeur d’Alene or Post Falls, Idaho, can I find a drug and alcohol evaluation?
We Level Up Washington serves families from across the region, including Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls. Our Spokane Valley location sits just a short drive away.
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Is a drug and alcohol evaluation the same as a court-ordered assessment?
Most court requirements use the standard evaluation process. We complete all necessary paperwork for legal compliance.
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How long do drug test results take during an evaluation?
Standard urine results usually arrive in 1–3 business days. Confirmed positives may take up to a week for thorough review.
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Can I fail a drug and alcohol evaluation?
No. It’s not pass/fail, it’s about understanding your needs and connecting you to the right support.
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What if I’ve been trying to quit on my own?
Many people enter evaluations already motivated, and that helps create an even better plan.
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Will insurance cover the evaluation?
Most plans cover assessments, especially when medically necessary or court-required. Our team checks the benefits for you.
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Can family join the session?
Involving loved ones often strengthens everyone’s understanding and support.
Conclusion
Taking the step to get a drug and alcohol evaluation shows real strength. It opens the door to understanding, healing, and a life with more joy and less pain. You are not defined by past choices, you are someone with a future full of possibilities.
Call We Level Up Washington at (509) 348-4077 to schedule a confidential drug and alcohol evaluation and get personalized guidance that can start your recovery journey today.