10A ncac 27G .3817      Minimal Program Content

(a)  All levels of Substance Abuse Services for DWI offenders shall include education for all clients on:

(1)           all items specified in the "clinical interview", as defined in Rule .3805 of this Section;

(2)           North Carolina DWI laws, penalties and requirements for driver license reinstatement;

(3)           the effects of alcohol and other psychoactive substances on the body, brain, judgment and emotions of individuals, with special attention to the systems and abilities used in the operation of a motor vehicle;

(4)           the measurement of alcohol in the system, Alcohol Concentration; and

(5)           the effects of fatigue, hunger, anger, depression and prolonged inattention on driving behavior, by themselves and in conjunction with mood altering drugs in the body.

(b)  Short Term Outpatient Treatment shall include all of Paragraph (a) of this Rule and the following items:

(1)           responsible decision making concerning the use of alcoholic beverages;

(2)           indicators that a person is at increased risk for more serious alcohol/drug problems:

(A)          family history of alcohol/drug problems;

(B)          attachment to a peer group in which primary social activities center on alcohol or other drug use;

(C)          strong need for approval and acceptance and a desire to alter feelings; and

(D)          early signs of tolerance.

(3)           introduce coping skills appropriate to the problem level: to include skills for refusing to drink/use, planning and limit setting strategies and an abstinence contract as a learning experience.

(c)  Longer Term Outpatient Treatment shall include all of Paragraph (a) of this Rule and the following items:

(1)           an explanation of alcohol/drug dependence, as a bio-psycho-social illness characterized by:

(A)          general progression of dysfunction in body, emotions and social/family functioning;

(B)          strong emotional defense patterns including denial, rationalization and deflecting blame;

(C)          pronounced ambivalence, i.e. the individual wants to be different yet wants to continue in the present behavior; and

(D)          difficulties in social and family systems of the individual.

(2)           The introduction of concepts, skills and resources for recovery:

(A)          relapse Prevention concepts and skill building;

(B)          assistance in learning to address spiritual needs; and

(C)          resources for self-help, support and ongoing recovery.

(d)  Day Treatment/Intensive Outpatient Treatment Provide (a) and (c), but in the context of the client's more advanced problems and greater need for intensive treatment (see ASAM Level II):

(1)           The program shall take a thorough history of the client and address all relevant problems through further assessment and/or services provided by the program or referral. Problem areas shall include the following:

(A)          health and medical conditions;

(B)          family relationships;

(C)          manifestations of emotional problems or psychiatric illness;

(D)          legal issues; and

(E)           employment related issues.

(2)           Training and Continued Education: Individuals who conduct and/or supervise DWI substance abuse services shall complete at least 12 hours of DWI-specific education within each two-year period, which must be documented in the personnel record of the employee and reported to DWI Services with the application for renewal of the approval process.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 20-17.6(c); 122C-142.1;

Eff. April 1, 2001;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. July 20, 2019.