If you’ve been convicted of a DUI or DWI, your court order may include enrollment in drug or alcohol treatment as part of your sentence. What kind of treatments do courts typically impose? In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the more common ones and what you can expect from each.
We encourage you to take this opportunity to reflect on your life and decide if it’s time to make a change. Although it’s a difficult and embarrassing situation, many people view a DUI/DWI conviction as a wake-up call to get the treatment they need. Once you’re in treatment, you’ll learn that you have nothing to be ashamed of and that many other good people are struggling to find the peace of recovery.
Typical Court-Ordered Treatments for a DUI/DWI Conviction
State-Certified Alcohol and Drug Courses
If you’re a first-time offender or your offense did not involve an additional major crime, you will probably have to attend a state-certified alcohol and drug education course. Depending on your state and the court’s ruling, this could be a course that runs anywhere from 12 weeks to 24 weeks.
- You’ll attend weekly or twice-weekly meetings at the treatment center.
- Classes are held as group sessions with other people who have been convicted or are awaiting trial for a DUI.
- You will have to pay for the sessions and the price varies by center.
- Most of these treatment centers conduct random drug and alcohol tests.
Attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous
In addition to inpatient or outpatient treatment, you may also be required to regularly attend meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Here’s what you need to know about AA and NA.
- The meetings are free of charge.
- AA and NA are based on the “12 Steps” program of recovery.
- Although these programs include a religious element, religious belief is not obligatory and many nonreligious people attend AA and NA.
- Meetings are held at all times of day and night in many different locations.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
If your sentence includes compulsory enrollment in an inpatient rehabilitation center or “rehab,” you’ll have to complete a 30-day, 90-day or 180-day program. In some cases, the court may impose a longer term of inpatient care.
You may be panicked or frightened at the thought of rehab. Will you have to go to another state, will you have to leave behind your friends, family and job? Will it be like going to prison?
Your fears are understandable, but please know that for many people, inpatient rehabilitation is a lifesaver. Let’s face it. If you have a conviction for DUI or DWI, your life probably hasn’t been going the way you want it to for quite some time. Why not see this as an opportunity to get it back on track? Here’s how inpatient rehabilitation can work for you.
- You’ll be in a new environment, away from the pressures and influences that kept you using or drinking.
- You’ll be with other people who are sharing the same hopes, fears and struggles that you are.
- You’ll have access to proven programs and techniques that millions of people have used to successfully stop their addictions.
- You’ll have the structure and support that are necessary for recovery.
- You’ll withdraw safely, under medical supervision.
- Many addicts and alcoholics suffer from undernourishment and untreated medical problems. In rehab, you’ll get the healthy meals and medical care that your body needs.
Are You Ready for your Chance to Change?
You might feel that your addiction has become hopeless. But millions of people have felt that way at one time or another, yet they all managed to beat their addiction, embrace recovery and live with joy. Don’t you deserve the same thing?
If you didn’t make the choice to go into treatment, treat your court-imposed rehab as the opportunity it is. Inpatient rehabilitation offers you the best chance at getting and staying sober.
If you’re ready to end your addiction, we can help. Our counselors are available 24-7 to take your calls and answer your questions. Don’t wait another moment to change your life. Call us today at 844-903-2111.
