Drug testing is the only objective, reliable, and valid means of determining whether an individual is using drugs of abuse. Assessment and Counseling Solutions (ACS) has provided drug testing since our founding in 2003, partnering with Redwood Labs and Quest Diagnostics for laboratory services. Our lab service providers use drug-testing procedures certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Professional toxicologists perform the drug test screening and confirmation with state of the art technology and equipment.

Drug testing is most often requested by attorneys, employers, the criminal justice system, and the Children’s Division. Family members can also request drug testing as long as all participants consent. Drug testing is more vital than ever as we continue to experience the impact of the “opioid epidemic.” ACS testing services offer a screen for fentanyl, the drug used with conjunction with heroin and other drugs of abuse in most overdose deaths. Drug testing also assists those in early recovery from substance use disorders by enhancing accountability, as well as protecting those in vulnerable situations from the behavior of impaired individuals.

Drug testing at ACS is a simple process. Call for an appointment 314-849-2800, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Thursday and 9:30 AM to Noon on Friday—the entire process usually takes 20 minutes or less. Pricing is determined by the type of drug testing required and is value focused. Because test results are completely confidential, a release of information will be required in order for results to be sent to the requesting party. Laboratory results are usually available in 4 to 5 days.

ACS offers a full array of professional drug screens. Our tests utilize either standard urinalysis for 7 to 10 primary drugs of abuse or hair sampling (reflecting up to a 3-month use history) for 7 primary drugs of abuse. Drug-specific testing is also available for most drugs, including synthetics (K2, “spice,” “bath salts”) and steroids. Laboratory results are usually available in 4 to 5 days.

ACS also offers in-house instant drug testing utilizing a 14-panel urine drug screen for fentanyl, K2, ETG alcohol and 11 other drugs of abuse, with results in about 5 minutes. Instant drug tests are also available to be purchased for personal in-home use. Oral swab saliva testing is available at ACS, but is generally most effective in determining recent (48 to 72 hours) drug use only.

If the use of substances has caused problems in your life, either directly or indirectly, but you have continued using, then you may have an alcohol or drug problem.  If others are presenting concerns to you about your alcohol or drug use, then you may have a problem.

ASSESSMENT & COUNSELING SOLUTIONS provides substance abuse assessments and treatment, including individual counseling, outpatient treatment, a relapse program and aftercare.  Assessments can be scheduled  for either personal or legal issues.  We offer chemical dependency/substance abuse counseling in either group or individual sessions.  Primary group treatment programs meet twice weekly in either evening or morning sessions for the period of time assessed as necessary for the client.  Aftercare groups meet once per week for 12 weeks. Program length can be kept flexible to meet client needs. We also provide assessments to satisfy court orders, probation requirements  and attorney recommendations. 

ASSESSMENT & COUNSELING SOLUTIONS is State of Missouri certified and our assessments are accepted by all State courts and agencies.  A release of information directing us to send a written assessment report to the involved party will be signed by the client.

ASSESSMENT & COUNSELING SOLUTIONS treats addictive disorders—not specific programs for specific drugs.  We recognize that alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine and opiates are all substances that can be abused. While being fully aware of the specific impact of each of these substances, in group we emphasize the similarities of the problems caused rather than the differences.  Groups provide clients with a sense of support and hope,  counteracting the feeling of being alone with a problem and  offering a variety of perspectives as well as solutions.

We also treat substance abuse in individual sessions.  Some clients do well with initial individual sessions and then transition to a group program. Individual sessions also provide flexibility in scheduling as well as offering personal attention for issues more effectively  resolved in a one-on-one situation.

How effective is drug addiction treatment?

• In addition to stopping drug abuse, the goal of treatment is to return people to productive functioning in the family, workplace, and community. According to research that tracks individuals in treatment over extended periods, most people who get into and remain in treatment stop using drugs, decrease their criminal activity, and improve their occupational, social, and psychological functioning.

—Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition), National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, December 2012

Everyone experiences anger from time to time. It’s a normal emotion. But intense or prolonged anger can jeopardize employment, relationships, education, and even freedom. Those who struggle to control their anger are increasingly finding their way to behavioral health professionals for assistance.

We see it in our schools, workplaces, families, and out in public – the person who yells, hits, or throws things – and sometimes sparked by something as small as a missed parking space. In a culture where time is short, anger can surface quickly and with intensity. And anger can erupt into physical violence. The Centers for Disease Control’s 2010 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, found that one in ten 9th to 12th graders had been physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ’s 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Mental Health Findings revealed that nearly 19 percent of youth receiving mental health services have trouble controlling anger.  

And in 2009, the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ National Crime Victimization Survey reported more than a half million nonfatal violent crimes took place at work. Prisons and jails are even worse, where 38-50 percent of inmates experience persistent anger and irritability. When the problem results in an arrest or other disciplinary action, there often is a referral or requirement to engage in some therapy or treatment to help manage the intense emotion and prevent additional similar experiences.

Typically, when someone gets angry, there are responses that are physiological (becoming flushed, burst of energy and arousal, etc.), cognitive (thoughts that occur in response to an event), emotional (feeling afraid, discounted, disrespected, impatient, etc.), and behavioral (sarcasm, swearing, crying, yelling, throwing, etc.). Problem anger occurs when someone experiences anger as a chronic irritability or a full-on rage – as an emotion experienced too intensely or too often. The consequences of long-term anger issues can lead to arrest, injury (self or others), adverse effects on important relationships, job loss, or treatment program ejection. Some groups have a higher risk of experiencing problems with anger, including individuals with substance use disorders, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and personality disorders. (SAMHSA News, Summer 2014)

ASSESSMENT & COUNSELING SOLUTIONS offers services for the management of anger and aggression. We provide a monthly one-day class designed to fit the requirements of many court orders. We also provide individual and group counseling for anger and aggression management using a brief cognitive/behavioral counseling model.

An twelve-week treatment program is provided for those who need a more intensive level of care.

Anger and aggression are basic emotions that serve many purposes for everyone,  but they are also the primary factors in placing stressors on relationships of all types.  Anger is often a cover feeling for a variety of emotions a person may feel.  Inappropriate anger and aggression often result in legal issues, physical problems (reciprocal injuries), civil law suits, and employment disruptions, as well as damaged relationships and  reputations.

In our programs, individual are asked to consider possible sources of their anger and aggression.  We explore family of origin issues, role models, childhood and adolescence, self=esteem and other possible  contributing factors. Using a cognitive approach,  clients are taught to own and be responsible for their feelings rather than blame others.

Signs of problem anger:

• Constant frustration and anger despite efforts at change.
• Problems at work or in relationships due to anger.
• Avoidance of new events and people due to uncontrollable temper.
• Legal problems due to anger.
• Anger has led to physical violence.

ASSESSMENT & COUNSELING SOLUTIONS provides individual counseling sessions for many personal issues.  Although group counseling tends to be productive for clients in substance abuse programs, DWI education programs and anger management programs, traditional one on one counseling sessions are often the preferred method to provide counseling for many difficulties that people may experience.  One on one sessions are more personal and focused.  Clients experience an array of difficulties and it is often helpful to discuss these with an objective professional.

At ASSESSMENT & COUNSELING SOLUTIONS we understand that although it is often difficult to call and make an appointment for counseling, you will probably find that it is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family.  When the problems continue to surface after you and those close to you have tried to resolve them, it is time to seek some help.  Knowing when to seek help is a sign of strength – not weakness.

The counseling professionals at ASSESSMENT & COUNSELING SOLUTIONS see clients for many personal issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, family frustrations, codependency, gambling problems, and relationship difficulties.  In one on one sessions the focus is on the individual for the full session.  We will always start the process with procedures to assess and focus on clearly defining the reason for seeking help.  We generally use cognitive behavioral counseling methods and adhere to the  brief counseling model whenever possible.  Some clients see us for longer periods of time,  but most cite significant progress with a brief counseling model.

The BetNoMore gambling program at ASSESSMENT & COUNSELING SOLUTIONS, certified by the State of Missouri to provide services at no cost to residents of Missouri,  provides intensive individual, group and family counseling on an outpatient basis for clients experiencing difficulty with their gambling.  The Missouri Department of Behavioral Health recognizes that devastating financial issues are usually a significant result of a gambling problem..   All services are fully state funded regardless of financial status. Modest fees are charged for non-Missouri residents.

Assessment,  referral , intervention and consultation with families are available.  Counseling is provided for the individual with the gambling problem, family members, or both.
 

Daniel L. Smith, LCSW, CCGC, a nationally recognized and certified compulsive gambling counselor, is the program director of BetNoMore Gambling Programs.As a board-approved clinical consultant for the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board, Dan teaches and trains widely throughout the United States, and is a well-known advocate for problem gamblers.

Treatment for compulsive gambling at ASSESSMENT & COUNSELING SOLUTIONS can be through primary outpatient education and therapy, or as continuing care following an inpatient stay.   ASSESSMENT & COUNSELING SOLUTIONS also provides assessment and referral for veterans seeking residential treatment at US Department of Veterans Affairs gambling or PTSD programs.  ASSESSMENT & COUNSELING SOLUTIONS also works closely with inpatient gambling-specific providers to assist in assessment, intervention, referral and follow-up.

Clients of BetNoMore are educated and counseled in a nonjudgmental atmosphere.  An individualized plan of care will be developed with the client to address destructive gambling behaviors as well as other contributing life stressors.

Many people enjoy gambling, whether it’s betting on a horse or playing poker on the Internet. Most people who gamble don’t have a problem, but some lose control of their gambling. Signs of problem gambling include

• Always thinking about gambling
• Lying about gambling
• Spending work or family time gambling
• Feeling bad after you gamble, but not quitting
• Gambling with money you need for other things

If you have concerns about your gambling, ask for help.

—NIH: National Institutes of Health

Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.  http://www.GamblersAnonymous.org

Gam-Anon®  serves the community of international meetings of the Gam-Anon Family Groups. Gam-Anon provides information for the general public and professional community about problem (compulsive) gambling and its financial and emotional affects on the gamblers’ families and loved ones. http://www.Gamanon.org

National Council on Problem Gambling leads state and national stakeholders in the development of comprehensive policy and programs for all those affected by problem gambling.  Our purpose is to serve as the national advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families.  And our vision is to improve health and wellness by reducing the personal, social and economic costs of problem gambling.  http://www.NCPGambling.org

For more information, contact Dan directly at BetNoMore@gmail.com or call  314 265 2440.

Assessment and referral services are provided by a D.O.T.-certified counselor. These services are generally required as a result of a D.O.T. violation that may involve a positive drug or alcohol screening. Clients are required to see a D.O.T.-certified counselor for an assessment, who will then recommend a level of education or treatment. Clients are generally not allowed to return to safety-sensitive positions until the recommended requirement is completed.

Variations in the D.O.T. rule are determined by the D.O.T. professional completing the assessment. An assessment can usually be performed within a day or two of the request. ACS also accepts referrals for education and treatment from other Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs).