What Is an OUI/DUI Substance Use Assessment?
If you have been charged with an OUI or DUI involving alcohol or drugs, you may be asked—or choose—to complete a substance use assessment. These evaluations are commonly used to help courts, attorneys, licensing agencies, and other parties better understand an individual's relationship with alcohol or drugs and whether treatment or other services may be appropriate.
A DUI/OUI substance use assessment is more than a discussion of the incident that resulted in the charge. It is a clinical evaluation of an individual's substance use history, current patterns of use, relevant risk factors, and overall functioning.
What Is the Purpose of a DUI/OUI Substance Use Assessment?
The purpose of the evaluation is to provide an objective clinical assessment of alcohol and drug use. An evaluator considers whether an individual's substance use is consistent with a substance use disorder and, when appropriate, what level of intervention or treatment may be beneficial.
Depending on the circumstances, an evaluation may be requested by an attorney, court, licensing agency, treatment provider, or the individual themselves.
Importantly, receiving an OUI or DUI charge does not by itself establish that someone has a substance use disorder. The role of the evaluator is to conduct an independent assessment based on the available clinical information.
What Happens During the Assessment?
The evaluation typically includes a comprehensive clinical interview covering areas such as:
Current and previous alcohol and drug use
Circumstances surrounding the OUI/DUI incident
Previous substance-related legal issues
Mental health and medical history
Family and social history
Previous substance use treatment
Current treatment or recovery activities, when applicable
Consequences associated with alcohol or drug use
Risk and protective factors
Standardized or validated assessment instruments may also be used to supplement the clinical interview.
When appropriate, the evaluator may review relevant records or other collateral information to develop a more complete understanding of the individual's history and current circumstances.
Does an OUI/DUI Mean I Have a Substance Use Disorder?
No. An OUI or DUI charge and a clinical diagnosis are two different things.
A substance use disorder is diagnosed based on established clinical criteria and an individual's broader pattern of alcohol or drug use—not simply the existence of an impaired-driving charge.
An evaluation may find evidence of a substance use disorder, identify concerning patterns that do not meet diagnostic criteria, or determine that the available information does not support a current substance use disorder diagnosis.
What Is Included in the Written Report?
When a written report is requested, it may include:
Relevant alcohol and drug use history
Results of standardized assessment measures
Relevant psychosocial and clinical history
Diagnostic impressions, when applicable
Risk and protective factors
Clinical findings
Treatment or educational recommendations, when appropriate
Recommendations should be based on the individual's clinical needs rather than assuming that everyone with an OUI or DUI requires the same level of treatment.
Can a DUI/OUI Substance Use Assessment Be Completed Virtually?
In many circumstances, a substance use assessment can be completed through secure telehealth. The clinical interview and assessment measures can be administered remotely, and relevant records can be reviewed electronically.
However, requirements vary by court, state, licensing agency, and individual case. If an evaluation has been specifically ordered or requested, you should confirm the required qualifications, documentation, and format before scheduling.
How Should I Prepare for an OUI/DUI Assessment?
If an attorney, court, or other agency has requested the assessment, bring or provide any documentation explaining what is required. Relevant legal, treatment, medical, or recovery records may also be helpful depending on the circumstances.
The most important part of the process is providing complete and accurate information. A substance use assessment is intended to provide an objective clinical picture rather than produce a predetermined result.
OUI/DUI Substance Use Assessments in Massachusetts
I provide virtual substance use assessments throughout Massachusetts for individuals involved in OUI/DUI and other legal matters. Evaluations incorporate a comprehensive clinical interview, validated assessment measures, and review of relevant documentation when appropriate.
Written reports provide objective clinical findings, diagnostic impressions when applicable, and individualized recommendations based upon the results of the assessment.
Learn more about Massachusetts OUI/DUI Substance Use Evaluations →