Alcohol Treatment

I have been sanctioned to complete the Alcohol Treatment/Substance Abuse program. What do I do?

If you have been sanctioned to complete the Alcohol Treatment/Substance Abuse program, your treatment provider will determine your successful discharge requirements based on the guidelines set forth by the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals. Please remember that a treatment provider must be approved by the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals. A listing of agencies will be mailed to you. You may also use the following attached link for a complete statewide listing of Licensed Chemical Dependency Professionals: http://www.health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=282. Treatment from non-approved providers and/or on-line programs will not be accepted.

After serving your period of license suspension, you MAY be eligible to reinstate your driving privilege before your Alcohol Treatment/Substance Abuse program has been completed, if your suspension for Failure to Complete Alcohol Treatment has not gone into effect. Your program must be completed within six (6) months from your conviction date. You will receive a suspension order by mail, at the address on file, advising you of the date you must be done. This will be accompanied by a packet of information to include the list of providers and the requirements.

Below are the minimum requirements needed to successfully complete the Alcohol/Substance Abuse counseling. Please remember that these are only guidelines. As stated previously, your treatment provider will determine your successful discharge requirements.

1. For First Alcohol/Substance abuse offense

   • Attend a minimum of 10 to 12 sessions, four (4) sessions must be individual at 50 minutes each;
   • Drug testing &/or toxicology screens: Will be performed at the time of your initial assessment, and at least twice monthly thereafter. More may be required if clinically indicated by the treatment provider and may be required for the duration of treatment. Drug testing &/or toxicology screens will be required at last contact with the treatment provider;
   • The last four toxicology screens need to be negative for illicit substances and alcohol.

2. For second or multiple Alcohol/Substance abuse offenses

   • Attend a minimum of 15-20 sessions, at least five (5) must be individual at 50 minutes each;
   • Drug testing &/or toxicology screens: Will be performed at the time of initial assessment, weekly, or more frequently as clinically indicated by the treatment provider and may be required for the duration of treatment. Drug testing &/or toxicology screens will be required at last contact with the treatment provider;
   • The last four toxicology screens need to be negative for illicit substances and alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Alcohol Treatment:

• Is there a cost for the Alcohol Treatment Program? No fee is charged by the Division of Motor Vehicles. All fees are imposed and handled by the treatment providers.