Substance Abuse Evaluation

If your driver’s license is suspended or revoked as a result of a DUI or OWI arrest, you may need to complete a substance abuse evaluation as part of the driver’s license restoration process.

First, you will need to request a hearing with the Driver Assessment and Appeal Division (DAAD) office.

Next, you will be required to submit several documents, one of which will likely be your substance abuse evaluation.

If you need help with the substance abuse evaluation or any aspect of driver’s license revocation, contact Grewal Law PLLC. Our Michigan-based license restoration attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience and can help you navigate each stage of the process.

Contact our firm online or by phone at (888) 211-5798 for a free consultation.

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.