Prevention FAQ
- How do I know if my child is having problems with drugs or alcohol?
Some signs that your child may have a problem with drugs or alcohol include mood changes (temper, irritability, defensiveness), problems at school (changes in grades, attendance), changes in friends, changes in appearance, a lack of involvement in former interests. In addition, look for physical and mental changes in your child (poor concentration, bloodshot eyes, and slurred speech.) Also finding drugs or alcohol in your child’s room or on their belongings can also indicate a problem.
- What is “binge drinking”?
Binge drinking is drinking for the primary purpose of getting drunk. For a male, 5 or more in a drinking session is considered binge drinking. For a female, 4 or more in a drinking session is considered binge drinking. It often leads to other harmful behavior such as driving while intoxicated, fighting, or risky sex.
- What are bath salts? Why are they harmful?
“Bath salts” are drugs that can make the user feel full of energy. Other effects the user may feel are agitation, blurred vision, depression, hallucinations, manic episodes, memory loss, nausea, paranoia, seizures, and in some cases death. In 2012, North Carolina as well as 34 other states banned these substances as well as other synthetic drugs.
- Can social media really influence young people’s substance use?
The CASAColumbia 2012 National Survey found that compared to teens who have never seen pictures on Facebook or another social networking site of kids getting drunk, passed out, or using drugs, teens who have seen such pictures are:
- 4 times likelier to have used marijuana (25 percent vs. 6 percent)
- More than 3 times likelier to have used alcohol (43 percent vs. 13 percent)
- Almost 3 times likelier to have used tobacco (16 percent vs. 6 percent).
- Is prescription drug abuse really an issue?
Prescription drug abuse is the Nation’s fastest-growing drug problem, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified prescription drug abuse as an epidemic. Commonly abused classes of prescription drugs include opioids (for pain), central nervous system (CNS) depressants (for anxiety and sleep disorders), and stimulants (for ADHD and narcolepsy). Click here for more information on prescription drugs.
- My child is engaging in risky behaviors. What can I do?
The Partnership at Drugfree.org recommends six alternatives to reduce the chance that adolescents will drink, use drugs, or engage in other risky behaviors.
- Build and maintain a supportive relationship with your child.
- Be a good role model when it comes to drinking, taking medicine, and handling stress.
- Know your child’s risk level. Decades of research have shown that some teens are at higher risk than others to develop substance abuse problems. Some of the common risk factors associated with drug and alcohol abuse are, family history, mental or behavioral disorder, trauma, and impulse control problems.
- Know your child’s friends.
- Monitor, supervise, and set boundaries.
- Have ongoing conversations and provide information about drugs and alcohol. An open communication with your teenager can help build a healthy, supportive relationship. Besides, it can also avoid and reduce conflict in your relationship.
- What’s the big deal with marijuana?
Marijuana has a chemical in it called THC. THC affects parts of the brain that control learning and memory. As a person uses more marijuana, it may become harder to learn new things and remember old things. When smoked, marijuana can also damage your lungs and breathing. And did you know that marijuana is addictive? Which means the user needs the drug to feel “normal.” If you want more information about marijuana and its effect on the body, Click here.
Assessment FAQ
- Why do I need an Assessment?
The purpose of an assessment is to have a certified or licensed substance abuse professional evaluate whether an individual has a substance abuse problem and if they do, the severity of that problem. Once this is determined, the professional recommends the corresponding, appropriate level of treatment or education that the individual needs. All Assessments are conducted in a private, confidential manner.
- How do I schedule an Assessment?
Assessments at Anuvia are conducted “on demand” Monday through Friday. You are encouraged to arrive early as only a certain number of assessments can be completed each day. Please allow 2-3 hours for your assessments and be aware that wait times vary due to the number of clients who present for an assessment on any given day. Assessment and treatment services are also available in Spanish, call 704-376-7447 for more information.
- What is a Screening?
If an individual has had an Assessment at another approved substance abuse program within the past 6 months and they wish to do the recommended treatment at Anuvia, we will complete a no-charge Screening and facilitate entry into treatment at Anuvia. However, the individual MUST bring dated documentation from the previous assessor including the recommended level of care to the Screening appointment. Without this documentation, a Screening cannot be conducted. In addition, they will be asked to sign a Release of information for the original Assessment to be sent to Anuvia.
- How long does an Assessment take?
Depending on the individual’s specific situation, an Assessment usually takes from 2 to 3 hours. During that time, the individual is Breathalyzed, completes a written questionnaire and has an in depth clinical interview with a substance abuse professional. A urine drug screen may also be required.
- What do I need to bring to an Assessment?
You should bring a list of all your medications (including the dosage, the reason for the medication, and the name prescribing physician’s name) and your current Medicaid or insurance card. If the Assessment is related to legal charges, including DWI, it is extremely important that all court related paperwork is brought to the Assessment appointment. For DWI Assessments, it is necessary to bring the citation received at the time of arrest showing the BAC and the conviction related judgment paperwork. Without the required documentation being provided, we will be unable to process DWI paperwork with the DMV.
- How long is an Assessment valid?
Depending on the type, most Assessments are valid for 6 months. After that time, a re-evaluation will be required. In the case of DWI Assessments, they are valid for 6 months from the date of Assessment. The individual must have started the recommended treatment or education within 6 months of the assessment. After that time, re-assessment and new fees apply.
- How much does an Assessment cost?
Costs vary depending on the type of Assessment the individual requires and their funding source. Most Assessments cost $100. North Carolina DWI Assessments are $100 for each DWI that is outstanding. Out of state DWI does require an additional $75 processing fee. There are a few states for which we charge an additional $75 processing fee (total $260) due to the extensive paperwork requirements.
- Can I bring anyone with me to an Assessment?
Yes, you may bring a family member, case manager, interpreter (if you are non-English speaking. Interpreters must be fluently bilingual individuals unrelated and unknown to you in any way.) or another interested party. They will be asked to complete a written questionnaire about your substance use. If deemed appropriate, the assessor may speak to them at the end of the Assessment if you have signed a Release for us to do so.
- When will I find out the results of my Assessment?
If you have provided the assessor with the required documentation, most likely you will receive the written results at the end of the Assessment. Exceptions include, if results of a drug screen are pending, or if the assessor thinks that it is necessary to consult with your referral source or the entire Assessment Team and/or the Anuvia Medical Director prior to making a diagnosis and recommendation. If required documentation and fees are not provided, the Assessment will be incomplete/pending until which time as they are received. We are unable to process DMV paperwork until required documentation and fees are received.
Court Services FAQ
- What are things to remember when coming for an assessment?
- Be prepared to stay approximately 2-3 hours for the entire assessment process. Do not bring children with you.
- Confidential assessments are provided on demand Monday through Friday. Clients are seen on a first come, first serve basis between 7:45am and 1:00pm. You are encouraged to arrive early as only a certain number of assessments can be completed each day.
- Bring all required paperwork (especially DWI including BAC at time of arrest, court/arrest related), all medication, and current Medicaid or insurance card. If you do not have your documentation, you will need to obtain a copy of it from the county clerk’s office. If your records are no longer available, you will need to obtain a written statement from the clerk’s office saying that the records are not available.
- If you have been assessed elsewhere, you must have documentation from the prior assessor including the date of your assessment and the treatment or education recommendation. DWI assessments are valid for 6 months. If you have not entered treatment within 6 months of your assessment, a new assessment will be required.
- Call to let us know if you are unable to keep your appointment.
- Bring assessment fees: General $100 DWI $100 for each outstanding DWI. Out of State DWI $100 + $75 processing fee. Must bring required paperwork from the other state. (Some states may have additional charges)
- Can you help me with limited driving privileges
Anuvia is not involved in any way with limited driving privileges. You need to contact the Clerk of Court for the county where the offense took place. Here are numbers for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area:
- Mecklenburg – 704-347-7811
- Gaston – 704-852-3190
- Cabarrus – 704-786-4211
- Union – 704-289-2444
- How long does it take DMV to process paperwork?
Once the paperwork has been sent to DMV, it takes between 2-8 weeks for it to be processed.
Treatment FAQ
- Can I come into treatment if I am on methadone?
We do not provide methadone maintenance or treatment. We refer people to programs that specialize in this service.
- What is involved in treatment?
An assessment or screening will determine if a person needs treatment and what program best meets that person’s needs. If a client comes to treatment at Anuvia, treatment involves a combination of client and group counseling. Also, certain levels of treatment involve family education and counseling. The focus of treatment is to help the client to increase understanding of substance abuse and dependence, to have the correct information to assess his or her own experience with alcohol and/or other substances, to practice abstinence, to explore 12-Step recovery and to build support for ongoing recovery. Along with group, counselors provide individual counseling, follow –up with referring agencies and referral for other services needed.
- What is an assessment?
An assessment is a structured interview in which a state licensed or certified counselor gathers information from you to determine whether you need and will benefit from substance abuse treatment and/or counseling or support services. If treatment services are needed, the assessor also recommends a level of treatment and explores with you where these services are offered. Unless you are directly ordered by a judge to come to Anuvia for any recommended treatment, you have a choice where you can attend treatment and the assessor will assist you in a referral if needed. We offer assessments in both English and Spanish. We also provide assessments for the hearing impaired, and those with other disabilities, with special accommodations provided as needed.
- How long does an assessment take?
Depending on the type of assessment you will need, it can take from 1 ½ to 3 hours to complete the assessment.
- Do you offer childcare?
We do not offer childcare.
- Can my family be involved with my treatment?
Yes, we strongly encourage family involvement with you while you are in treatment. We offer multifamily days at no additional cost to you. On those days, families attend education and group with you, with your permission. Because babies and small children get restless and need extra attention that can interrupt counseling/education sessions, we ask that you bring children who are at least 9 years old.
- Will I be able to take prescribed medication while in treatment?
Yes, we believe that certain medications actually enhance treatment and recovery. We ask that the client bring in all medications at the time of assessment or newly prescribed medications during treatment for our medical staff to review.
- If I work in the daytime, can I come to treatment at night?
We offer both morning and evening hours.
- Do you have flexible treatment hours?
As a client you will be assigned to a Day Program or an Evening Program, according to your personal needs and schedule. If you schedule changes because of a new work schedule or school hours or other circumstances, we can transfer you from one program to the other. Because building group trust is important, we cannot allow you to alternate between day groups and evening groups. (Please note that SACOT is a day program only)
- Do you provide individual counseling?
We find that group counseling is the most effective treatment for people with substance abuse issues, but we do provide individual counseling as a part of our group treatment program.