Without identification and intervention, most AOD-using offenders will rejoin the general population with little or no knowledge of their AOD abuse problem or resources that exist to assist them. An initial screening is useful in separating those who are likely to be addicted from those who are not. Screening does not require extensive training. It begins with being aware, and includes listening and noticing behavior and actions. Screening interviews should be done in private.
Offenders have a right to privacy and to confidential handling of all information they provide.
Most users are likely to abuse several drugs. Sometimes the AOD involvement is obvious. Sometimes the AOD involvement is less obvious. Episodes of domestic violence or fighting among friends may involve AOD abuse that is hidden from sight. However, police officers can learn to look for signs of AOD use and to trust their instincts, intuition, and judgment about the possible role of AODs.