ASUDS stands for Adult Substance Use and Driving Survey and is administered as part of a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) in Driving Under the Influence and Driving While Ability Impaired cases in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park. This evaluation helps judges, probation officers, and treatment providers understand the type of alcohol or drug dependency the subject has, and how to best address the issues. It doesn’t make any sense to put someone who has been convicted of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in an alcohol related driving class, when that is clearly not the issue at hand.
What is Involved in the ASUDS Test During a Larimer County Probation Interview?
During a Pre-Sentence Investigation and alcohol evaluation with the Larimer, Boulder, or Grand County Probation Department, the ASUDS test will be administered. It is a 123-question test that is completed on a computer that measures a person’s dependence on alcohol and drugs. The computer scores the test and based on the test’s conclusions, a treatment plan and program is recommended. The treatment can range from a simple educational class about the effects of alcohol on a driver to extensive therapy for substance abuse.
How Does the ASUDS Test Score Substance Abuse for a Fort Collins Alcohol Evaluation?
There are 10 different categories that the ASUDS test evaluates to measure the effect alcohol and drugs has on a person’s life. The questions delve into history, current use, and beliefs and attitudes regarding substance abuse. The questionnaire even predicts a subject’s motivation for treatment. The questions are worded in a way that are not always straightforward, as they are looking for hidden meanings and conclusions.
ASUDS and Treatment in Boulder County Probation
As with many elements of the law in Colorado, standardization is the key. Most likely, a person who is convicted of or pleads guilty to DUI or DWAI will be required to take the ASUDS exam. Yes, it makes sense for the courts and probation to want to understand the extent of a person’s substance abuse issues, but is one computerized test really able to tell everything about a person’s needs? I’m not convinced. However, the ASUDS test gives a standardized method to treatment and supervision, which the State of Colorado seems to prefer because standardized means there is less room for criticism.
If you or someone you love has been charged with a driving DUI or DWAI, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best DUI criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 today. Together, we can protect your future.
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