Substance Use Screening

An Open Conversation About Substance Use

Alcohol, medications, and other substances can affect health and wellbeing in different ways. A substance use screening offers a respectful starting point to discuss your concerns, understand possible risks, and explore whether further support may be helpful.

Understanding Your Needs Without Judgment

Screening may involve brief questions about substance use and how it affects daily life. It helps identify concerns that deserve a closer look, but a screening result alone is not a diagnosis. Your clinician considers the answers alongside your health history, current symptoms, and goals.

When Might a Screening Be Helpful?

You can raise a concern even if you’re unsure whether your substance use is affecting your health.

Alcohol Use

Questions about drinking patterns or their effect on mood, sleep, relationships, or daily responsibilities.

Medication Use

Concerns about how prescription medications are being used or how they may interact with other substances.

Other Substance Use

Worries about drug use, changes in functioning, or difficulty making changes on your own.

A Starting Point for Informed Support

Screening can help guide a conversation about appropriate next steps. Depending on your needs, your clinician may discuss:

  • Possible effects on your physical and mental health
  • Your concerns and goals without judgment
  • Whether a more detailed assessment is needed
  • Brief support, follow-up, or a referral for specialized care

A Thoughtful Approach, Step by Step

Your clinician determines which questions and next steps are appropriate for your situation. Screening is a starting point—not a complete evaluation or automatic treatment plan.

Share Your Concerns

Talk about what prompted you to seek support and what you would like to understand.

Discuss Substance Use

Answer relevant questions about alcohol, medications, or other substances.

Consider the Whole Picture

Review how substance use may relate to your health, daily life, and other concerns.

Discuss Next Steps

Explore whether brief guidance, further assessment, follow-up, or referral may be appropriate.

Start with a Conversation

If you have questions about your own substance use or are concerned about someone you care about, contact our team to discuss an appropriate next step.