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Learning about DUI evaluations and risk education programs can be overwhelming and confusing. With so much information out there, it can be difficult to know where to start or what to focus on. That’s why Footprint to Recovery has created this guide to help you understand the basics of DUI evaluations and risk education programs.
The Dangers of Driving Under the Influence
Every time you decide to drink and drive, you put your health and the health of others at risk. That’s true whether you believe you’re impaired or not. Unfortunately, about 11 percent of Americans admit to driving under the influence of alcohol at least once, experts say.
Alcohol is a drug that can alter:
- Reaction times.
- Decision-making abilities,
- Stimulus sensitivity.
- Impulsivity.
At the same time, alcohol boosts production of brain chemicals that make us feel safe, secure, and in control. Take in too much, and it’s almost impossible to feel like driving is a bad idea.
Driving under the influence is a serious offense that can result in severe consequences. Not only does it put your life at risk, but it also endangers the lives of innocent individuals on the road. According to the CDC, about 29 people die every day in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. That’s one death every 50 minutes.
In addition to potential fatal accidents, getting a DUI can also lead to legal repercussions such as fines, license suspension or revocation, and even jail time. The exact penalties vary by state, but they all share the goal of discouraging individuals
Illinois DUI Evaluation and Risk Education Law
To minimize the risk of DUIs through the United States, many states, including Illinois, have enacted strict laws and penalties for those caught driving while intoxicated. These laws — some of which include DUI evaluations and risk education programs — aim to not only protect the lives of drivers but also deter future incidents from occurring.
Legislators hope that strict laws change your mind. DUI laws like the one in Illinois come with stiff consequences for each decision to slide behind the wheel while drunk. And in Illinois, legislators tacked on penalties that they hope will encourage people to change their ways after a relatively minor first offense.
Does the Law Work?
Illinois enacted its first DUI laws in 1997. Since that time, the number of people who have died due to drunk drivers has dropped dramatically.
The Herald News reports that deaths from drunk driving in Illinois dropped by 60% between 1999 and 2015. This seems to suggest that people do respond to the penalties involved with the law, and the streets are a lot safer as a result.
What Is A DUI Evaluation?
A DUI evaluation is an assessment conducted by a licensed provider that determines if someone has an alcohol or drug problem and how severe it is. This evaluation is used to determine what type of treatment or education program would be most beneficial for the individual.
The purpose of a DUI evaluation is not to judge or punish someone for their actions, but rather to identify any underlying issues that may have contributed to the DUI incident. It also serves as a way for individuals to take responsibility for their behavior and make positive changes moving forward.
DUI evaluations typically involve a series of assessments, including a substance abuse assessment, mental health evaluation, and a risk assessment. These assessments may include questionnaires, interviews, and drug/alcohol testing. The results are then used to create an individualized treatment plan that addresses the specific needs of the person.
What Is DUI Risk Education?
In Illinois, a DUI (driving under the influence) offense covers all types of impaired driving, from driving drunk to driving while under the influence of drugs (whether prescribed, abused, or illegal). If your blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, you are legally drunk and it is illegal for you to drive. However, if you are driving with a BAC between 0.05% and 0.08%, you may still be cited for a DUI if your behavior suggests you are impaired. This is at the discretion of the officer citing you. Even with a BAC below the legal limit, you are still far more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than if you didn’t consume any alcohol.
If you are cited for the above offenses and referred to Footprints to Recovery by the criminal justice system, you will complete an assessment to determine risk level and classification. The results help determine treatment planning. DUI risk education takes place in a group setting with small groups. The focus of the drug risk education group is mainly placed on the legal ramifications of a DUI arrest, the influence of alcohol and drugs on the family and the body, information on drugs and alcohol and its effect both on physical health, mental health, and family. The goals of DUI risk education classes is to educate the offender and decrease the probability of another DUI offense.
How Does A DUI Risk Education Program Work?
When you’re arrested for DUI, you’re ordered to move through an evaluation and education program. It must be completed before you can be sentenced, and you may not be able to drive at all until you finish the work.
The Illinois Department of Human Services says counselors evaluate the following things as part of the program:
- Your driving history: Is this your first offense? Or have you been arrested for DUI in the past?
- Your lab test results: How high was your blood alcohol level when you were arrested?
- Your field test results: Did you slur your words or lose your balance while being tested by police officers?
- Your interview: The counselor will ask about your relationship with drugs and alcohol.
Your counselor will have copies of your arrest record, lab tests, and objective tests. Lying won’t help you, as your counselor can check your answers.
At the end of this process, your counselor can place you into one of four categories:
- Minimal risk: It’s not likely you’ll drive like this again. But you’ll be asked to complete at least 10 hours of risk-education coursework.
- Moderate risk: You might make this mistake again. You’ll need at least 10 hours of risk-education coursework and 12 hours of counseling. You’ll need to do that work within about four weeks.
- Significant risk: Without additional help, you’re likely to drive under the influence again. You’ll need at least 10 hours of risk-education coursework, and you’ll need at least 20 hours of substance abuse treatment.
- High risk: You’ll need help to avoid another DUI conviction. You’ll need at least 75 hours of substance abuse treatment.
At the end of the evaluation, the counselor will tell the court the results. That will determine what sort of penalty the state can impose. Be aware that the consequences can be severe. Sometimes, they can change your life permanently. You can’t opt out of this program. But you can learn a lot from it.
Where Are DUI Risk Education Programs Offered?
Footprints to Recovery offers DUI assessments at the Arlington Heights facility from 4:30- 9:00 PM with our last assessment at 7 PM. Assessments take approximately 2 hours. When arriving at an assessment, the person being assessed must bring all required court documents to complete their assessment. The goal is to begin Basic Education groups on Thursdays from 6:30 PM- 8:30 PM beginning 11/1.
This is partially dependent on how many assessments we can set up before the start date, so that we have more than one person in the group. Ultimate goal is to begin offering services on Tuesdays as well with the same set-up as Thursdays. Assessments can be paid for with cash, check, and/or credit card (with fees). Price list will be forthcoming. If higher levels of care are required, we offer OP and IOP at the AH facility to accommodate this. We have convenient AM and PM hours. PM hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 6-9 PM.
Why Is DUI Risk Education Important?
Change is hard. Often, we lack insight to see that change is needed. When our actions begin to harm others and/or put others at risk, the criminal justice system may step in. The justice system refers persons who are struggling in this area to receive assessments and some form of treatment to potentially reduce the chances of the continued destructive behaviors. Competent healthcare providers and treatment is important in increasing insight, learning ways to change and increasing the chances for success. At Footprints to Recovery, a licensed and DUI certified clinician will provide an assessment to determine the level of intensity needed for treatment
Although some DUI offenders may be low to moderate risk and see success with education, some DUI offender are not only high risk but also high need. This means that not only has the threat of punishment failed to make a dent in their behavior, but they may be addicted to drugs or alcohol. Interventions proven to work for this population blend treatment with supervision in a closely-knit, multidisciplinary program.
Getting Help For Alcohol Abuse
You don’t need to wait to get arrested to get the help you need. You can, and you should, reach out for help if you find it’s too tempting to drive home after an evening of cocktails.
Treatment teams can help you dig into the cause of your drinking or substance abuse. And together, you can come up with strategies to make the drinking stop for good. Don’t wait for the law to prompt a change. Be that change for yourself and your family.
If you would like to learn about your local Footprints to Recovery center, please reach out for help finding a drug rehabilitation center in Illinois.
Our admissions team is available 24/7 to listen to your story and help you get started with the next steps.
