In general, a drug and alcohol evaluation can result in several different outcomes. These outcomes depend on the information gathered, clinical judgment, and referring authority requirements.

In some cases, evaluators reach the following common outcomes

The evaluator determines that no further recommendations are needed. This may occur when the information gathered does not support a substance use disorder diagnosis and the overall history supports the conclusion.

Educational Program Recommendation

In other cases, evaluators recommend education-focused programs. They typically suggest these when they believe additional knowledge or awareness would help. These programs are usually short-term and education focused rather than therapeutic like treatment.

Outpatient Treatment Recommendation

In some cases, evaluators may recommend outpatient treatment when they identify patterns that suggest elevated risk or potential substance-related concerns.

Intensive or Structured Treatment

In more serious cases, evaluators recommend intensive treatment when they identify higher levels of risk, repeated concerns, or significant impact related to substance use. These recommendations require more time and stricter compliance.

Monitoring or Follow-Up Requirements

Additionally, sometimes evaluators include monitoring requirements, follow-up evaluations, or periodic check-ins. The referring agency and the level of assessed risk usually influence these requirements.

Why Outcomes Vary

Overall, outcomes vary based on several factors:

• The clarity and consistency of the information provided
• How evaluators interpret patterns and timelines
• Referral requirements (court, probation, employer, licensing board)
• Evaluator judgment within clinical guidelines

In addition, evaluators weigh all information together rather than relying on any single answer.

Understanding these factors can help explain why two people may receive different recommendations from their evaluations.

See How Recommendations Are Developed

Our Prep Guide uses examples to explain how evaluators connect information and develop recommendations based on the overall evaluation.

Your evaluation can influence treatment recommendations that cost thousands of dollars and require weeks or months to complete. Before you spend the time and money, understand how the evaluation process works.