Clinical & Medical Assessment

The First Step to
A Better Life

At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center, we conduct in-depth clinical and medical assessment before each individual client enters our medical detox program. Conducting an extensive assessment helps our clinical and medical team determine which treatment methods are going to be the most effective for each unique case. The process allows us the opportunity to thoroughly understand a client’s specific needs and design an individualized treatment plan that takes their addiction, mental health and any underlying medical concerns into consideration.

Our assessment process consists of three distinct evaluations: medical, psychosocial and psychological. Clients begin the assessment period almost immediately upon arriving at Princeton Detox & Recovery Center, meeting with a physician and primary counselor within 24 hours of their arrival. They are asked a series of pertinent questions before they are shown to their private bedrooms, where they are able to relax before participating in therapy sessions, group workshops, 12 Step meetings or any of the other addiction treatment services we provide.

At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we are dedicated to providing the most comprehensive and individualized care available. Because no two experiences with active addiction are the same, no two treatment journeys should be identical. To learn more about our medical detox program or to get started with our simple admissions process, reach out to us today.

What Happens During a Clinical & Medical Assessment?

The initial assessment occurs upon the client’s arrival at our medical detox center. This assessment helps the medical team get a feel for whether or not any preventative actions should be taken right away. During the initial addiction assessment our clients are asked a series of questions including:

• How long have you been using your substance of choice?
• Were you regularly using more than one chemical substance at a time?
• Is there any history of substance abuse or dependence in your immediate family?
• Is there any history of substance abuse in your extended family?
• Is there any history of mental illness in your immediate or extended family?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with a mental illness?
• Are you currently taking any medications that were prescribed to you by a psychiatrist or a psychologist?
• Are you currently suffering from chronic pain or any other physical ailment?
• What do you hope to gain from your personal experience in addiction treatment?
• Have you previously been engaged in a program of addiction recovery?

These are only several examples – the full assessment is more detailed and comprehensive. The goal is to gain as much information as possible, shaping a treatment plan that caters to the unique needs of each of our clients.

Why is a Medical Evaluation Necessary?

During medical detox, a person undergoes a safe, pain-free drug or alcohol withdrawal under the close supervision of a team of licensed medical professionals. In order to ensure no health-related complications occur, it is important that a thorough medical history of each client is obtained the detox An assessment of a client’s personal medical history will look at:

• Physical issues, such as injuries or illnesses. Because the physical symptoms associated with drug and alcohol withdrawal can be severe, it is important for all pre-existing physical issues to be thoroughly addressed.
• Psychological disorders, such as depression, anxiety or insomnia. Substance use disorders and mental illness often go hand-in-hand. If a client has been suffering from a co-occurring disorder, they will benefit from a dual diagnosis treatment program.
• Allergies. It is extremely important for the medical team to be aware of all existing allergies so that further complications can be successfully avoided.
• Medications. If a client is already taking medication for an underlying health condition or mental illness, the medication will be held by the medical team and administered as needed.
• Family medical history. Because many health concerns are genetic — including substance use disorders — obtaining a thorough family medical history always proves beneficial.

Intake staff will also complete a physical evaluation of a newly admitted client. The physical examination assesses heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and other vital signs, as well as withdrawal symptoms. Drug and alcohol screenings may be conducted during this time.

Psychological Evaluation

Evaluating mental health and the presence of any underlying mental illnesses is crucial to the addiction assessment process. Research shows that roughly one-third of all men individuals who seek substance abuse treatment also suffer from a mental illness like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. If a client is suffering from an undiagnosed or untreated mental health condition, he or she is a good candidate for dual diagnosis treatment. During the psychological portion of the evaluation process, clients are asked a series of pertinent questions by an on-staff psychiatrist, who determines whether or not symptoms of depression and/or anxiety are a result of drug or alcohol withdrawal or if they stem from an underlying, co-occurring disorder. A combination of medication and focused therapy is prescribed and ongoing psychiatric evaluation is added to the individualized treatment plan.

Take the First Step

If you or someone you love has been suffering from a substance use disorder of any type or severity, Princeton Detox & Recovery Center is available to help. Our individualized medical detox program takes the unique needs of each client into careful account. We consistently provide the most effective medical care in the country, ensuring a safe, pain-free drug or alcohol withdrawal while preparing our clients to take the next appropriate step on their personal recovery journeys. The moment you make the decision to reach out for help, you will be put in touch with a compassionate and knowledgeable Treatment Advisor who will walk you through our admissions process. Contact us today to get started.