Mental Health Counselors - Seattle, Washington

Avalon Center, Inc. FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug and Alcohol Treatment

1.Are you a state certified treatment facility?

Yes. In the state of Washington, a treatment facility must have a DASA (Dept of Alcohol and Substance Abuse) Certification.

2.Do you do assessments?

Yes Avalon Center, Inc. does do assessments, most treatment centers will do assessments. If you had one done someplace else then the treatment center will need a copy.

3. What is an assessment?

An assessment is gathering information from you through an interview. This is a history to assess for alcohol or substance use. It includes specific questions about alcohol and drug use, work, home, physical health, mental health, family relationships and circumstances. An assessment helps to decide what kind of treatment, if any, is warranted. No single treatment approach is appropriate for all individuals.

4.What do I need to bring?

For a DUI assessment, you must bring your driver’s abstract from the Dept. of Licensing (DOL), any court paperwork, your BAC (blood alcohol content) ticket and a way to pay for the assessment.

5.What is Alcohol and Drug Information School?

ADIS is an eight hour education class where you learn the basics of addiction, alcohol abuse and DUI laws. Some treatment agencies offer these classes. You can get a list of these agencies from the court.

6.What is a Victim's Panel?

Victims of drunk drivers tell their story of how they and/or their family have been impacted by such a driver. This is a court requirement for DUI.

7.What type of treatment is there?

Inpatient is usually a 14-28 day intensive treatment program, where you live at the inpatient facility. Outpatient treatment usually follows the inpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment is usually done in three phases, which will be discussed if you enroll in treatment. Avalon Center offers only outpatient programs.

8.What kind of treatment do I need?

The Chemical Dependency Professional will do the assessment and then will be able to tell you which would be appropriate.

9.What is Detox?

Detoxification from the alcohol or drug(s) is the first stage of addiction treatment. Medical detox is done in a hospital or detox facility. If medical detoxification is the only treatment, it does little to change long term use of drugs or alcohol.* It is recommended that you attend an inpatient or outpatient treatment center afterwards.

10. What if I am Court Ordered?

Court ordered outpatient treatment should meet the following criteria: 72 hours in a total of 12 weeks for Phase I, Phase II is once a week for 2-3 hrs for a minimum of six months, and Phase III is once a month for a specific period of time. (Treatment does not need to be voluntary but remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical for treatment to be effective).*

11. When do they have treatment?

Treatment should be accessible for each person.* Ask about the time of day and number of times in the week, so that you can determine what program will be best for you.

12. What kind of counseling will I get?

Individual and group counseling, along with other behavioral/mental health therapies, are critical parts of effective treatment (NIDA).*

13. Do I have to get tested for drugs or alcohol?

Yes UDAs (urines for drugs of abuse or alcohol) are part of treatment. Drug or alcohol is possible during treatment and abstinence must be monitored. Monitoring improves the person's success by providing early evidence of use so that your treatment can be adjusted.*

14. What about my physical health?

You are important. You should see a physician for a physical exam. Most treatment centers suggest that new clients be tested for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis and other infectious diseases.* You may need to do this on your own as these tests are not usually conducted at an outpatient treatment center. If you need a referral for care, just ask and one will be provided to you.

15. What other services are available?

That all depends on the treatment center you choose to go to. Some centers provide mental health evaluations and therapy, acupuncture, family programs and/or domestic violence counseling. Behavioral therapies and/or medications can be an important element of treatment for many patients.* Depression and/or anxiety can be an underlying cause of alcohol or drug abuse. Acupuncture has been found to help people deal with cravings. Families are impacted and need education and treatment. Often, domestic violence has been a secret and should be treated in addition to the alcohol or substance abuse.

*NIDA - National Institute for Drugs and Alcohol