Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles Department of Revenue

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 PDF for a complete statewide listing of Licensed Chemical Dependency Professionals:  Treatment from non-approved providers and/or on-line programs will not be accepted.

Approved Treatment Providers

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. Requirements for first Alcohol/Substance abuse offense

    • Sessions: Attend 10 to 12 total sessions, which must include at least 4 individual sessions (50 minutes each). Only 1 session per week counts toward your completion total.
    • Drug/Alcohol Testing: Complete a drug/alcohol screen at your initial assessment and at least twice a month during treatment. An additional test is required at your final appointment.
    • Sobriety: Your last 4 drug screens must be completely negative for alcohol and illegal substances.

  2. Requirements for second or multiple Alcohol/Substance offenses

    • Sessions: Attend 15 to 20 total sessions, which must include at least 5 individual sessions (50 minutes each). Only 1 session per week counts toward your completion total.
    • Drug/Alcohol Testing: Complete a drug/alcohol screen at your initial assessment and weekly, or more frequently as clinically indicted by the treatment provider and may be required during the duration of the treatment. An additional test is required at your final appointment.
    • Sobriety: Your last 4 toxicology screens must be completely negative for alcohol and illicit substances.

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.