Last Updated on September 19, 2016 by Morris Green

Since 1980, North Carolina law has mandated substance abuse education and treatment courses for people convicted of Driving While Impaired (DWI). Though the number of DWI convictions in our state are somewhat high – NC is #22 in the nation for DWI convictions – there is a hope that these numbers are decreasing with the help of both the court system and community service providers that offer the required courses. Education has always been an important component for DWI and substance abuse prevention. According to the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services (NCHHS),

“Ensuring immediate and consistent compliance with mandated services related to DWI offenses will continue to have a positive impact on the health and safety of our communities.”

Education and treatment providers play a key role in keeping DWI offenders off the road through DWI Assessments, Alcohol and Drug Education Traffic School services and Prime For Life substance abuse courses. These courses are designed to educate offenders of the dangers, consequences and most importantly, correct behavior when it comes to driving after using drugs or alcohol. And with 45,441 DWI convictions reported during the 2010 – 2011 fiscal year, we have our work cut out for us.

The Facts: DWI Offenders Are Mostly White Males Between The Ages of 21-34

The NCHHS 2012 Driving While Impaired (DWI) Substance Abuse Report shows the majority of individuals completing substance abuse services after a DWI are single, white, young, employed males. Here is a snapshot of the demographics:

GENDER
76% Males

RACE
73% White
21% African American

MARITAL STATUS
52% Never married

EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT
69% Completed high school, GED or some college
62% Employed Full Time
40% No Health insurance

AGE
21% Less than 21 years of age
40% Ages 21 to 34**

**According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers between the ages of 21 and 34 are involved in 50% of the alcohol related highway fatalities annually, putting North Carolina right in line with the national average for this age group.

Were you aware of these numbers?

Here’s another statistic that might surprise you: The underage category, under the age of 21, is 3% HIGHER than it was last year.

In 2010 – 2011, service providers found 29% of people convicted of DWI received a diagnosis of substance dependence. Dependence has a higher classification and is usually a sign of substance abuse or disorder as opposed to occasional use. The most common substance that gets abused is alcohol, representing 71% of those completing assessments. Almost 29% of cases had drug abuse or dependence other than alcohol. Over the last two years, there has been a net increase of 16% of cases involving substances other than alcohol, showing marijuana as the second most abused substance after alcohol.

About 57% of those who were recommended for treatment or education actually completed the required courses. This number is not nearly as high as we would like it to be since many of the people who do not complete the recommended courses become repeat offenders – 33% of those recommended for treatment were repeat offenders. Attending and completing the required courses are what allows us to get to the underlying issues. By understanding what causes their dependence, service providers can provide better treatment for long term results.

Absolute Advocacy is an approved provider for ADETS and Prime For Life classes. We have dedicated our work to serving those who need help and support, with a commitment to lower the number of DWI offenses through prevention and education. If you or someone you know needs help, don’t hesitate to call. We’re here to help.