About CARS

The Computerized Assessment and Referral System (CARS) is the result of a collaboration between the Division on Addiction and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (FAAR), a nonprofit organization with a focus on preventing driving under the influence (DUI). Mental health problems that extend beyond substance use disorders are common among people with addiction, and can affect treatment outcomes. However, in a variety of addiction treatment settings – including DUI programs – clients often do not undergo comprehensive screening for psychiatric disorders. CARS assesses a wide range of mental health disorders that likely contribute to addiction-related problems, as well as other mental and physical issues.

To learn more, visit the CARS Background page.

The CARS Team

The CARS Project is led by Drs. Sarah Nelson and Howard Shaffer. Our lead developer is Scarvel Harris. Karen Amichia, Alessandra Grossman, James Juviler, and Alex LaRaja are Research Coordinators.

The CARS Advisory Panel

Richard Ashton, International Association of Chiefs of Police
Ralph Hingson, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
West Huddleston, Vice President at Scram Systems, Inc.
Christopher Kennedy Lawford, Actor/Activist/UN Ambassador for Drug Abuse Treatment
Larry Lewin, Lewin International, LLC
Cher Lewin, Private Practice
Brian McKay, J.D., former Nevada Attorney General
Harvey Milkman, Metropolitan State College of Denver
Bob Mills, CEO of Middlesex Human Service Agency, Inc.
Nate Summers, Court Compliance Officer, San Joaquin County Drug Court
Diane Wigle, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Financial support for CARS

Initial funding for the development of CARS came from the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility.

We continue to expand the scope of CARS to assess new mental health problems and provide it in new settings, such as emergency rooms. If you or your organization is interested in supporting further development of CARS, please contact us.