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Alcohol Screening And Counseling Resources

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or any other controlled substance in the state of Arizona is against the law. If you are charged or convicted of DUI, it can have far-reaching effects on your future.

In the state of Arizona, if you drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of more than 0.08 percent or if you are caught driving while impaired, you will be arrested for DUI. If you are a first-time offender, you may be ordered to pay a hefty fine, receive jail time, be ordered to participate in a DUI screening or counseling program or have your driver’s license suspended. DUI screening and counseling programs are designed to evaluate, educate and offer counseling and treatment to anyone with a possible drug or alcohol dependency.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has a mandate under state law to make certain that if a person’s driving privileges, license or permit has been suspended due to driving under the influence (DUI) they must complete an alcohol or other drug screening by a facility approved by the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS).

In Arizona, it is important that you should consult the experienced DUI lawyers like those associated with the Law Offices of Craig W. Penrod, P.C. They can advise you regarding screening and counseling resources available in Scottsdale, Phoenix and other communities in Maricopa County.

The goal of alcohol screening is to assess the extent of a client’s current and past alcohol abuse and/or dependence upon alcohol. Offenders are screened through an in-depth personal interview, using the latest multi-dimensional interview “tools.” Objective assessment instruments are administered by qualified professionals. Referrals are made to appropriate education and/or treatment programs.

The screening process consists of a face-to-face interview that could be as short as 30 minutes or as long as three hours. The screening process is conducted by a behavioral health professional or a behavioral health technician. Your treatment will be based upon the information and results obtained from the DUI screening agency or the referring court. The education requirement will consist of at least 16 hours in a classroom setting and will be provided by a behavioral health professional or behavioral health technician. Information regarding facilities that offer screening, treatment and/or education services can be provided by your attorney.

Screening components can include:

  • Psychosocial history of the client;
  • Attendance/productivity decreases at work or school;
  • An occurrence of blackouts;
  • Withdrawal symptoms;
  • Changes in tolerance;
  • Personality changes when you under the influence;
  • Any family history of alcohol or drug abuse;
  • Prior participation in substance abuse treatment;
  • Any physical health problems;
  • Any prior arrests or criminal records.

The cognitive behavioral approach to substance abuse assumes that individuals with addictive problems are able to assume responsibility for changing their behavior. During the screening, a feeling of rapport and trust is established between the client and the therapist. Therapeutic communication, motivational interviewing, and awareness of client’s change state are essential to the therapeutic relationship, motivational enhancement, and preparing the client for cognitive behavioral treatment.

It is important that your DUI legal situation should be handled by expert professionals with the experience possessed by the attorneys at the Law Offices of Craig W. Penrod, P.C.