What Happens in a Substance Abuse Program After a DUI?

If you were arrested for DUI, you are not alone; in 2015, the most recent and relevant data available, there were approximately 1 million people arrested for DUI in America. For those who are not familiar with the term DUI (driving under the influence), it is a criminal offense that stems from operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants. While alcohol is the most common, substances associated with DUI can also include marijuana, inhalants, or even prescription-based medications. In all cases, operating a motor vehicle, such as a car, truck, motorcycle, or construction vehicle, for example, while under the influence of intoxicants can have serious legal consequences.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU HAVE BEEN ARRESTED FOR DUI?

Following a DUI arrest, you will likely have to attend a court hearing whereby a judge will determine the type of penalty that should be assessed based on the criminal offense. These penalties can include having your driver’s license suspended, fees and fines, court-mandated community service, participation in drunk driving education courses, or possible jail time. Factors that can dictate the kind of penalty you will face can include the following:

  • Whether or not you’re a habitual offender
  • If your actions resulted in property damage
  • If your actions caused bodily harm to others

SUBSTANCE ABUSE EVALUATION

In cases where an individual has been deemed a habitual offender or is believed to have a problem with either drugs or alcohol, they may be required to undergo a court-ordered substance abuse evaluation. More often than not, these evaluations will be carried out by a licensed rehab facility that has been certified by the state where the DUI took place. That said, the purpose of a court-ordered substance abuse evaluation is to determine if the offender has a problem with drugs or alcohol.

WHAT DOES A SUBSTANCE ABUSE EVALUATION ENTAIL?

In most rehab facilities across America, a substance abuse evaluation will include an in-depth interview with the offender, which will be conducted by an addiction expert who will then report their findings to the judge who ordered the evaluation or to the offender’s probation officer. Along with the interview, the facility will also review the following information:

  • Criminal history
  • Arrest records
  • Results from a urinalysis

After reviewing the results from the offender’s urinalysis as well as their arrest record and criminal history, the facility will determine if the individual indeed has a problem with drugs or alcohol that requires treatment. If that turns out to be the case, a treatment plan will then be recommended and shared with the offender’s judge or probation officer.

HOW MUCH DOES A SUBSTANCE ABUSE EVALUATION COST?

Even if an individual undergoes a court-ordered substance abuse evaluation in a state-funded rehab facility, they are responsible for 100 percent of the evaluation cost. While these costs can vary from state to state, most individuals can expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $150, which will cover the urinalysis and any applicable reporting fees.

COMMON TREATMENTS FOLLOWING A SUBSTANCE ABUSE EVALUATION

Similar to those who seek substance abuse treatments on their own volition, individuals who are required to undergo court-ordered addiction recovery will usually have to complete a detox program. And unlike the evaluation, the cost of substance abuse treatments can be covered either in part or whole by health insurance. Most rehab facilities will provide the following for those who are ordered to undergo addiction recovery after a DUI conviction:

  • Inpatient treatments
  • Outpatient treatments
  • Relapse prevention
  • Addiction education
  • Assessments
  • Group or individual counseling
  • Access to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings
  • Access to Narcotics Anonymous meetings

The programs that an individual will be required to complete can vary and are often determined based on the severity of their substance abuse problem as well as recommendations made by the facility or a judge.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T COMPLETE THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE EVALUATION

If you were convicted of a DUI and ordered to undergo a substance abuse evaluation, which was later followed up with court-ordered addiction recovery, you must complete both. The consequence of not completing either requirement can include

  • Having the diversion program revoked
  • Having your driving privileges suspended even longer
  • Additional fines
  • Jail time

To learn more about substance abuse evaluations or to start an addiction recovery program, consider speaking with one of our representatives today at 844-639-8371.

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