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Obtaining a DUI evaluation and enrolling in DUI School are the initial steps in complying with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and a possible court requirement.

The Evaluator gathers all information to make an objective recommendation. A detailed interview is completed gathering substance use history, criminal history, driving records, and any prior arrest history during the DUI evaluation, a urinalysis is also completed. After the assessment, an appropriate course of action is recommended. Some individuals may not need any further action, but the 20-hour Risk Reduction course is an absolute requirement by the Department of Driver Services. Other individuals may need Counseling to address issues such as substance abuse, excessive alcohol use, or underlying addiction issues. The Counseling recommendation consists of either a short-term program (six to twelve weeks) or a long-term program (seventeen to fifty-two weeks) ASAM Level I program. Some individuals may be recommended as ASAM Level II and above, which is a higher level of care and requires a longer period of Counseling. Recommendations could vary. An individual may be referred to attend NA/AA 12-steps groups.

THE DUI SCHOOL IS VERY SIMPLE AND IT CONSISTS OF A FEW STEPS.

One – Complete a Needs Assessment

Two- Attend and complete 20 consecutive hours of the Risk Reduction
Program (RRP)

Three – Obtain a certificate of completion

Four- Submit an original certificate to the Department of Driver
Services

HOW DUI EVALUATIONS HELP

Given that DUI Evaluations, along with the Counseling recommendations provided, are often used to minimize and alleviate court sentences, individuals are highly encouraged to undergo evaluations as soon as possible, which demonstrates to the court and prosecution your willingness to take responsibility for your actions and follow-thru with the suggested Counseling plan. Please make sure you discuss your situation with one of our Clinical Evaluators to determine the best course of action for your case.
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Testimonial: _”OMG! This was way more informative than I thought it would be and the 20 hours went by so fast.”_

Listen, like the testimony from a former client above stated, don’t let the name fool you. DUI School is also called the Risk Reduction Program (RRP) because it is an all-encompassing program that discusses the impact of alcohol use, drug use, and the consequences of making high-risk choices. The focus of the program is centered around “high-risk choices” and the facilitators are only here to inform, never to judge. At the end of the day, for many people, the class is part of a consequence and the behaviors/ arrests have already happened- there isn’t a discussion about right vs. wrong.

The way the program works is that you complete a computerized assessment, and it’s best for you to be honest. After the assessment, then you attend a three (3) day class that is a total of 20 hours. “The 20 hours went by so fast” is a fair testimony when all the students participate! During the class, our facilitator shares evidenced-based information that has been collected through research and there are videos from people who have lived through some dramatic and maybe traumatic experiences. Upon completion of the 20 hours you are given a certificate that can be used for probation, court, or license reinstatement depending on the nature of your requirements. But do not let “getting in trouble” be the reason why you take the class. If you are a parent of a new driver, enroll them in the class so they have a full understanding of the dangers and the privilege of driving.
If you have been driving for a while and just need a refresher, take the class.

I have seen people after the class and they have commented on how much easier life has been after making some subtle changes. Many of them continue to reference the workbook and one of the videos in particular.

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The “SAP” in SAP Evaluation stands for “Substance Abuse Professional.” If you find yourself in need of one of these evaluations, it is more than likely you have been hoping to be cleared to return to duty or “RTD” for short. Situations that would warrant such an evaluation typically come in the form of a failed random drug screen during your employment. Failing a drug screen can feel very much like having the rug of your livelihood pulled right out from under you. Not every one that fails these tests is an alcoholic, drug addict, or a “bad” person. Often times a lapse of judgment or a momentary temptation can result in a dramatic uprooting of your ability to provide for yourself.

I will refrain from detailing the circumstances involved in a failed drug screen as it pertains to an actual alcoholic or drug addict and will give an example I have run in to lately where many workers under DOT(Department of Transportation) have failed tests and do not know why. Lately, in the United States, there has been a massive influx of both advertisement and positive marketing pointed to the CBD industry. CBD comes in many forms including oils, tinctures, pills, inhalants, and smokable versions to name a few. Many of these brands of CBD profess to contain 0% THC. For the worker who is suffering from a variety of physical ailments, this might seem like a godsend and a natural homeopathic way to ease some of their sufferings. What the companies do not inform you about is the fact that these 0% THC brands still contain a small percentage of THC which the FDA considers negligible in its ability to cause any psychoactive effects. Unfortunately, when a test of sufficient strength is administered invariably the worker will test positive for THC.

This is when an SAP Evaluation can be extremely useful. The SAP Evaluation will determine the course necessary to deem you fit Return To Duty (RTD). Recommendations will be based on the history involved, the situation which brought you to the SAP Evaluation, and a variety of other areas that will be monitored and reviewed by the Evaluator.

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Tensions have been rising over the last few months. Small arguments have turned into shouting matches. The fights calm at the end of the night and are stuffed away and replaced by physical touch as an attempt at forgiveness. The cycle continues day in and day out. The tension is reaching a boiling point. After a stressful day at work, or dealing with the kids, a glass of wine, or maybe a few beers, is all you are looking forward to in order to unwind. A few drinks in and another argument starts. This time it is different. A button gets pressed, a person brought up, a text message read, a phone number seen; the shouting is not enough. The only way you are going to be heard is if you make yourself heard. A glass tossed across the room, a slap across the face, a nail breaks the skin… blood is drawn, a bruise formed, a siren heard in the distance…

Maybe this story sounds familiar to you. It is a story I hear often when a person first starts an FVIP course. It is the story of unmitigated emotion and passion loosed in a fit of fury. This even momentary violence can land someone in a program for 6 full months of FVIP. FVIP is a class meant to bring an understanding to not only what happened on the fateful event, but what happened the days before, the months before, and the misunderstandings even years into the past. Your FVIP instructor is there to hopefully take the blinders off your eyes. FVIP is meant to show you a new path to understanding your emotional states and the consequences of being unaware. Trust me we understand. There can be guilt and shame and hurt involved in the process and there can also be resentment toward the person involved in the incident. Instead of looking at FVIP as a sentence try to see it as an opportunity to really look at your life with brand new eyes. FVIP can be the first step in a new life.

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Because of some unfortunate circumstances, do you have to complete an Alcohol and Drug Evaluation?

An Alcohol and Drug Evaluation Decatur is a brief compilation of assessments that allow you to get a better understanding of how alcohol substance use has may or may not have affected your life or contributed to you coming into contact with a representative of the Criminal Justice System (Police, Sheriff, District Attorney, etc.) or (Jails, Detention Centers, Prisons, Probation).

Oftentimes, clients look at the evaluation as a “punishment”, but wouldn’t you like an objective point-of-view of how things seem to be working? Our Alcohol and Drug evaluation Marietta are conducted by certified and licensed Addiction or Mental Health Counselors who have specialized training in human behavior.

This is how it works; you schedule an appointment and then you meet with an evaluator one-on-one and they will ask you questions related to your Physical/ Medical History, Alcohol and Drug History, your Social History, Legal History, and other background information to get a snapshot of who you are and where you are up to this point in your life.

Remember, this is a “snapshot” so it isn’t the full picture. We believe that you are much much more than your experiences and our goal is to tap into who you truly are.

Now, there are times when a recommendation for education or Counseling is issued when the evaluation is completed. Listen, wouldn’t you rather be safe than sorry? Wouldn’t you want to know how to stay safe and reduce your high-risk choices?

We also want to give you an opportunity to tell your truth and take full control over the story that is YOUR LIFE. We welcome this opportunity to meet you and help you get to know yourself.

We have evaluators that help you recover starting with Alcohol and Drug Evaluation located in or near Atlanta, Decatur and Marietta, GA and their surrounding communities.

Atlanta Counseling Center also known as AACS is the premier agency for the Intensive Outpatient Program in Georgia. AACS is accredited by The Joint Commission and the Department of Community Health.

We offer counsel for co-occurring disorders such as mental health and substance use disorders. Our mission is to help each individual regain a healthy balance of life and return to normalcy. With over 30 years of experience in the field of recovery, our staff is uniquely diverse and highly trained in cutting-edge Counseling modalities to ensure multicultural sensitivity and understanding.

Programs and Services

 In addition to the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), we offer lower-level care of the Outpatient Program (OP) and an extended aftercare program. Our programming is designed with flexible sessions six days per week. our weekly curriculum offers psychoeducation and psychotherapy on CBT, DBT skills, relapse prevention, coping skills, codependency, trauma, healthy relationships, and spirituality.

Atlanta Counseling Centers offers comprehensive programming for individuals struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. Located in Marietta, near Atlanta, Georgia, Atlanta Counseling Centers provides a full spectrum of care, offering lasting recovery. Our structured programs are centered on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Effective Learning, and Holistic Integration. We hold true to the definition of addiction provided by the American Society of Addiction Medicine and by integrating the spiritual, emotional, mental, biological and physiological wholeness of each individual; we can provide appropriate assessments and work collaboratively with all healthcare professionals to produce improved outcomes.

Length of Stay

• 30 days – IOP
• 90 days – Aftercare

Note: Upon continued assessment, participants will experience in Counseling intensity. Further assessment will determine if Counseling should be extended.

Our team of professionals comprises of the following:

• Medical Director
• Relapse Prevention Specialist
• Peer Support
• Licensed Professional Counselors
• Masters-Level Clinicians
• Anger Management Specialists
• Certified Addiction Counselors.

The Department of Transportation has instituted a new procedure for drivers with violations. The clearinghouse SAP Evaluation is mandatory for individuals who test positive for alcohol or drugs while on the job. The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation.

The driver must register on the FMCSA Clearinghouse and contact an SAP professional to begin the process. The SAP professional provides an assessment and recommendation to facilitate the process to return to work as soon as possible.

Here is the new process for SAP

MRO verifies a positive drug test or refusal.  Or employer verifies a positive alcohol test or an employer-determined refusal

• MRO (or employer) enters the violation on the driver’s record, using the CD# that is now required to be on the CCF
• The driver receives a notification (e-mail or text, according to the driver’s preference) that information has been entered on his record
• A driver goes to his record, views the violation, and enters the name of the SAP he wishes to use
• The Clearinghouse now kicks out a notification e-mail to the SAP, indicating that the SAP has an “invitation” from the driver
• The SAP goes to his/her record on the Alcohol and Drug Clearinghouse Evaluation and will see an invitation message on the SAP’s dashboard with the driver’s name
• The SAP clicks on “Accept Request” or “Deny Request”
• If the SAP clicks on “Accept Request”, the SAP will now be able to access the driver’s record
• After the SAP completes the assessment and tells the driver what the SAP’s Counseling recommendation is, the SAP enters the date of the final assessment meeting
• After determining that the driver has successfully complied, the SAP enters the date of the determination, which means an employer (either the previous employer or a new employer) can order a return-to-duty test
• The SAP is now done.  Close the file!

Nothing will happen until the MRO enters a drug test result or refusal, or until the employer enters an alcohol test result or refusal.  Entering that information on a driver’s record is the necessary first step in order to start the whole process.

Important considerations:

1. An MRO has 2 days in which to report a drug violation.
2. An employer has 3 days in which to report an alcohol violation.

That means the driver may be in your office before the violation has been recorded on the Clearinghouse, and therefore the driver hasn’t been able to invite you to be his/her SAP.

When the driver enters your name, it must be exactly the name that you used when you registered on the Clearinghouse.  If you are Deborah Jones, and the driver enters Deb Jones, it won’t go through.  Be sure that the driver knows the exact name that is in your Clearinghouse record.

WHAT IF I CAN’T FIND THE DRIVER’S RECORD?

If the driver tells you he/she has registered, and if the date of the violation was January 6 or after, then the violation should be on the Clearinghouse.  If it was a drug test, and more than two days have passed since the MRO talked to the driver, you could call the MRO’s office and ask if they entered the violation.  If they tell you it’s been entered, the driver might not have looked at his e-mail to see the instruction about inviting an SAP.  If they tell you they haven’t entered the violation, you could ask when they will enter the violation information on the driver’s record.

Remember:  There is a 2-day window for MROs and a 3-day window for employers.  No wonder you can’t find it on his record.  In that case, you won’t be able to enter the assessment completion date until the violation has been entered.  Yes, this gets complicated.

NOT EVERY DRIVER MUST REGISTER ON THE CLEARINGHOUSE

FMCSA makes this statement frequently.  It’s deceiving and confusing.  But it’s not a loophole.  If a driver never ever applies for a job with a new employer, and that same driver never has a violation, there’s no reason for the driver to be on the Clearinghouse, because no future employer would be checking to see if he has a violation.  Also, when his current employer conducts an annual query on his record, it wouldn’t come up, because he doesn’t have a violation.

For an expedited appointment so we can get you back to work as soon as possible. Our direct contact is 800-683-7745.

DUI SCHOOL ASSESSMENT IN JUST FEW STEPS

Obtaining a DUI evaluation and enrolling in DUI School are the initial steps in complying with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and a possible court requirement.
The Evaluator gathers all information to make an objective recommendation. A detailed interview is completed gathering substance use history, criminal history, driving records, and any prior arrest history during the DUI evaluation, a urinalysis is also completed. After the assessment, an appropriate course of action is recommended.  Some individuals may not need any further action, but the 20-hour Risk Reduction course is an absolute requirement by the Department of Driver Services. Other individuals may need Counseling to address issues such as substance abuse, excessive alcohol use, or underlying addiction issues. The Counseling recommendation consists of either a short-term program (six to twelve weeks) or a long-term program (seventeen to fifty-two weeks) ASAM Level I program. Some individuals may be recommended as ASAM Level II and above, which is a higher level of care and requires a longer period of Counseling.   Recommendations could vary. An individual may be referred to attend NA/AA 12-steps groups.

THE DUI SCHOOL IS VERY SIMPLE AND IT CONSISTS OF A FEW STEPS.

One – Complete a Needs Assessment

Two– Attend and complete 20 consecutive hours of the Risk Reduction
Program (RRP)

Three – Obtain a certificate of completion

Four– Submit an original certificate to the Department of Driver
Services

HOW DUI EVALUATIONS HELP

Given that DUI Evaluations, along with the Counseling recommendations provided, are often used to minimize and alleviate court sentences, individuals are highly encouraged to undergo evaluations as soon as possible, which demonstrates to the court and prosecution your willingness to take responsibility for your actions and follow-thru with the suggested Counseling plan. Please make sure you discuss your situation with one of our Clinical Evaluators to determine the best course of action for your case.

Warm weather is here and life starts feeling easier, right? Well, not always, if you’re in recovery. Recovering people face serious challenges while staying sober during the spring and summer seasons and official holidays. Relapse in the warmer season is avoidable. Spring and summer come with sports games, picnics, barbecues, weddings and celebrations all seem to involve alcohol of some sort. Some of us may run into your old marijuana or drug-loving friends at the beach, pool, or a friend’s party. How do we stay clean and sober over the season when temptation present at all corners?

The warmer season is all about being casual and having fun in the sun. Most of us have a carefree attitude with lower inhibitions. However, we have learned not to be carefree about recovery. No matter where summer fun leads, sobriety and recovery should remain our number-one priority every day — We can still have plenty of sober fun under the sun and catch some rays or waves.

AACS offers tips for staying sober during the spring and summer holidays. We have listed tips to help us navigate both daily lives as well as those special occasions like graduation parties, weddings, and 4th of July parties that all seem to coincide with summer fun.

Here are ten simple suggestion that can help you stay clean and sober during the warmer season. We will be grateful by the end of the season for maintaining our recovery.

1. Put recovery first
2. Attend 12-step or self-help meetings
3. Plan ahead with friend in sobriety
4. Use the buddy system
5. Be honest with yourself and others
6. Plan sober fun
7. Don’t focus on what you can’t have
8. Avoid resentment at all times
9. Volunteer
10. Call your sponsor daily

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