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What Exactly Is the Substance Abuse Evaluation?
Essentially, the substance abuse evaluation is used to determine if you should have your driver’s license restored and/or reinstated. It proves that you have taken the necessary steps to address the reason for your DUI, OWI, or related charge, whether that be through attendance at NA meetings or through completion of an online DUI class.
Things you need to know about the substance abuse evaluation:
- In order to be valid, your evaluation cannot be more than three months old. It also must be completed by a substance abuse counselor.
- Your evaluation is used to review any programs you have participated in and/or any treatments you have had in regards to drug/alcohol use. This may include rehabilitation, therapy, detox, online DUI courses, etc.
- Your evaluation also includes proof of your attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and/or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), as well as details such as your sponsor (if you had one), your frequency of attendance at meetings, and more.
- The substance abuse counselor will record his or her “diagnostic impression (DSM-IV)” of you, including impressions related to your drug/alcohol use and history of mental illness (if appropriate).
- In preparation for the DSM-IV, your counselor will provide testing information for you. Accepted tests vary and include ones such as the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test. The results of your test will be recorded in the DSM-IV and used to determine if you are ready to drive again.
Along with the substance abuse evaluation, you may also be required to submit documentation of your past and current alcohol/drug use. This documentation will need to be completed by a friend, family member, boss, or another person who interacts with you and is typically completed in the form of a letter.
Testing & Treatment Programs
As previously mentioned, you may be required to undergo drug/alcohol testing and treatment as part of the driver’s license restoration process. These are used to assess your progress and likelihood of relapse. Ultimately, these tests and treatment programs can be the deciding factor in whether or not your license is reinstated.
There are many available tests and treatment programs, including:
- Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI)
- Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST)
- In-patient alcohol and/or drug treatment programs
- Out-patient alcohol and/or drug treatment programs
This list is not exhaustive; our Michigan driver’s license restoration attorneys can guide you through the testing and treatment process and help you find an option that suits your situation.

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The process of having your driver’s license reinstated after a DUI, OWI, or other alcohol- or drug-related arrest can be complicated. There are many steps that you need to take and an array of documents that you will need to have in order.
At Grewal Law PLLC, we are committed to protecting your rights and helping you work toward a successful outcome. Our attorneys have been highly awarded for their dedication to our clients, service, and the highest level of ethics.
Contact us at (888) 211-5798 to learn more about the substance abuse evaluation and driver’s license restoration in Michigan.


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