Last Updated on September 19, 2016 by Morris Green

This week, we’re continuing the 5 part series on the DWI process from arrest to reinstatement.

Last week we interrupted our regularly scheduled program to bring you breaking news about the new Absolute Advocacy website. This week, we’re continuing the series on the DWI Process: From Arrest To Reinstatement with a Closer Look At DWI and Substance Abuse Treatment Levels.

In a recent article, we explained that everyone convicted of a DWI in North Carolina is required to complete a DWI assessment. The DWI Assessment is a series of questions used to determine the right level of treatment for the client. There are 5 levels of DWI or substance abuse treatment. The DWI professional recommends treatment based on the severity of the DWI and the client’s substance abuse history uncovered during the assessment.

DWI and Substance Abuse Treatment Levels

The following levels of treatment are recommended by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

1. Alcohol and Drug Education Traffic School (ADETS)

A program for first time DWI offenders and early intervention, the 16-hour ADETS course is generally recommended when:

• The assessment did not identify a substance abuse handicap
• The person has no previous DWI offense conviction
• The person had an alcohol concentration of 0.14% or less at the time of arrest
• The person did not refuse to submit to a chemical test

2. Short-term Outpatient Treatment

Short-term outpatient treatment is a 20-39-hour program completed over the course of 30 days. This level of treatment is recommended when the assessment reveals more treatment is needed beyond the scope of ADETS, such as:

• Alcohol concentration is .15 or higher
• Refusal of chemical test at time of arrest
• Problems relating to family history of substance abuse
• Other problems which seem to be a contributing factor to DWI behavior such as grief or loss

3. Long–term Outpatient Treatment

Long-term treatment is a minimum of 40 hours completed over a minimum of 60 days. Long-term substance abuse treatment is suggested when the client is diagnosed with a substance dependence that goes beyond occasional abuse.

4. Day Treatment/Intensive Outpatient Treatment

A day program requires at least 90 hours of treatment over the course of 90 days. This level of treatment is recommended when the assessment confirms a diagnosis of substance dependence, with or without physiological dependence. This longer-term program provides additional continuing care, urging voluntary participation of the client and significant others.

5. Inpatient and Residential Treatment Services

When outpatient treatment of other associated problems has not been successful or more dedicated treatment is required, the DWI/Substance Abuse provider will refer the client for treatment at a substance abuse facility. Inpatient residential treatment is a 90-day program for people who demonstrate:

• Withdrawal risk
• Need for medical monitoring
• Emotional and behavioral problems requiring a structured setting
• High resistance to treatment
• Inability to abstain
• Negative and destructive environment

As you can see, each level of treatment is designed to provide the care, education and resources aimed at preventing DWI and substance abuse behavior. If you have questions about treatment levels for a friend, family member, co-worker or neighbor, please don’t hesitate to contact us. DWI prevention is a community matter.