Alcohol and drug evaluations, education and treatment serve different purposes. This guide explains the differences and what to expect from each service in Wyoming.
At OpenGate Counseling & Consulting, the Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Evaluation, Prime For Life® Individual Adult Education, and Outpatient Counseling (ASAM Level 1.5) serve different clinical or service functions. The appropriate next step depends on the reason for the referral and, when a clinical recommendation is needed, the findings of an individualized assessment.
On this page
1. Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Evaluation: clinical assessment
A Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Evaluation is a clinical assessment. Its purpose is to develop an individualized understanding of substance use, related risks and needs, diagnosis when applicable, and an appropriate clinical recommendation.
All OpenGate services are provided individually to adults; OpenGate does not offer groups.
OpenGate's Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Evaluation includes:
- the full Addiction Severity Index (ASI) as one component of the evaluation;
- a comprehensive biopsychosocial and spiritual assessment;
- The ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition;
- applicable DSM diagnostic criteria;
- relevant records and authorized collateral information;
- an individualized clinical recommendation; and
- additional standardized, evidence-based screening or assessment tools when clinically indicated.
The ASI is one component of OpenGate's comprehensive evaluation. It is not the entire evaluation and is not offered as a separate evaluation service. Wyoming's current certification guidance identifies the ASI as one example of an evidence-based clinical assessment instrument; it does not establish the ASI as the universally required assessment instrument for every Wyoming evaluation.
An evaluation is not a class, and it is not treatment. It also does not predetermine that treatment will be recommended.
Learn more: Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Evaluation
2. Prime For Life® Individual Adult Education: education
For adults, current Wyoming Department of Health impaired-driving guidance uses the service terminology Early Intervention and Secondary Prevention Education.
OpenGate's Wyoming Department of Health certification is current and active. OpenGate provides Prime For Life® Individual Adult Education for adults through its certified Early Intervention and Secondary Prevention Education category. WDH identifies Prime For Life® as an example of an evidence-based, State-approved curriculum for impaired-driving education.
Prime For Life® is education. It is not counseling or substance use disorder treatment.
People may informally search for an "alcohol class," "DUI class," or "DUI education." These terms do not make education and treatment interchangeable. Education focuses on structured learning and informed decisions to reduce risk.
Learn more: Prime For Life® Individual Adult Education
3. Outpatient Counseling (ASAM Level 1.5): treatment
Outpatient Counseling (ASAM Level 1.5) is a substance use disorder treatment service provided when clinically indicated.
Treatment is based on assessed clinical needs and an individualized treatment plan. Depending on the person, counseling may address substance use patterns, recovery goals, coping and behavioral strategies, relapse or recurrence risks, functioning, co-occurring concerns within the clinician's scope, and other clinically relevant needs.
The ASAM Criteria is not a test or a single score. It is a clinical framework used to assess needs, support individualized treatment planning, and help determine an appropriate level of care. OpenGate does not reproduce proprietary ASAM placement criteria on this website.
Learn more: Outpatient Counseling (ASAM Level 1.5)
Evaluation, education, and treatment at a glance
Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Evaluation
- Primary purpose
- Clinical assessment and individualized recommendation
- What it involves
- Comprehensive assessment; full ASI as one component; biopsychosocial and spiritual assessment; ASAM Fourth Edition; applicable DSM criteria; relevant records and authorized collateral information; additional tools when indicated
- What it is not
- A class, education course, or treatment program
Prime For Life® Individual Adult Education
- Primary purpose
- Education and prevention
- What it involves
- OpenGate uses the Prime For Life® alcohol and drug education curriculum within its certified Early Intervention and Secondary Prevention Education category; OpenGate's Wyoming Department of Health certification is current and active.
- What it is not
- Counseling or substance use disorder treatment
Outpatient Counseling (ASAM Level 1.5)
- Primary purpose
- Substance use disorder treatment when clinically indicated
- What it involves
- Individualized outpatient counseling based on assessed needs and a treatment plan
- What it is not
- A DUI class, education-only service, ASI, or automatic result of an evaluation
| Service | Primary purpose | What it involves | What it is not |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Evaluation | Clinical assessment and individualized recommendation | Comprehensive assessment; full ASI as one component; biopsychosocial and spiritual assessment; ASAM Fourth Edition; applicable DSM criteria; relevant records and authorized collateral information; additional tools when indicated | A class, education course, or treatment program |
| Prime For Life® Individual Adult Education | Education and prevention | OpenGate uses the Prime For Life® alcohol and drug education curriculum within its certified Early Intervention and Secondary Prevention Education category; OpenGate's Wyoming Department of Health certification is current and active. | Counseling or substance use disorder treatment |
| Outpatient Counseling (ASAM Level 1.5) | Substance use disorder treatment when clinically indicated | Individualized outpatient counseling based on assessed needs and a treatment plan | A DUI class, education-only service, ASI, or automatic result of an evaluation |
The clinical recommendation follows from the assessment
A substance use evaluation should not begin with a predetermined outcome. The appropriate recommendation follows from the individual's clinical findings.
An evaluation does not automatically lead to treatment. Depending on the individual findings, the recommendation may involve education, outpatient treatment, another level or type of service, referral to another provider, or no substance use treatment. A diagnosis is made when applicable; it should not be assumed in advance.
The purpose of the assessment is to determine what is clinically appropriate for the individual rather than to fit every person into the same service.
Related resource: What Happens After a Substance Use Evaluation?
Completing a Recommended Service
If the evaluation recommends Wyoming impaired-driving education, OpenGate can provide that education through Prime For Life® Individual Adult Education. If the evaluation recommends Outpatient Counseling (ASAM Level 1.5), OpenGate can provide that counseling when Level 1.5 remains clinically appropriate. Clients are also free to choose another qualified provider. If another provider completed the evaluation, OpenGate can review the evaluation and recommendation and provide the applicable OpenGate service when the relevant requirements are met.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an alcohol class the same thing as substance use treatment?
Is Prime For Life® treatment?
Does a Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Evaluation automatically mean I need treatment?
Is the Addiction Severity Index the same as the Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Evaluation?
Is ASAM a test or a score?
What is Outpatient Counseling (ASAM Level 1.5)?
Can I complete recommended education or counseling with OpenGate?
Official Sources
This page reflects current terminology and guidance from the Wyoming Department of Health, Behavioral Health Division, including its certification and impaired-driving education materials, and from The ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition published by the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
- Wyoming Department of Health — Mental Health and Substance Abuse Certification Program Handbook, March 2026
- Wyoming Department of Health — Impaired Driving Education Services Certification Guidance, January 2026
- Wyoming Administrative Rules — Chapter 2: Behavioral Health Service Provider Certification
- American Society of Addiction Medicine — The ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition