Should I use the probation-referred drug/alcohol evaluator or go private?
I’m on probation in Brazos County, Texas. I’m 9 months into an 18-month probation and have had no violations. I also haven’t drunk or used drugs for more than a year.
Because of my SASSI assessment, I was told I need to complete a drug and alcohol evaluation. The problem is I honestly don’t even remember exactly what I put on the SASSI since I filled it out a while ago.
Probation referred me to BVCASA. The evaluation is free, and they’ll already have my probation history, but their online reviews are pretty bad.
My concern is that they also provide treatment, so I’m worried there could be an incentive to recommend extra classes or treatment even if I don’t actually need it.
I’m thinking about paying for an independent third-party evaluation instead, assuming probation allows it.
Has anyone dealt with this in Texas or Brazos County? Would you go with the free probation-referred place or pay for an independent evaluation? Also, does anyone know how much the SASSI result matters compared with having no violations, clean tests, and no drug or alcohol use for a year?
I’m not trying to avoid the evaluation. I just want to make sure I get a fair and accurate assessment and don’t make a bad decision by choosing the wrong place.