Understanding ADSAC: Alcohol and Drug Substance Abuse Courses

So you got a DUI. You might be thinking you just go to court, make a plea deal, and don’t drive for a few months. But the truth is that a DUI has serious ramifications. You’ll need to take DUI classes, install an ignition interlock device in your car, and pay thousands of dollars in fines and fees. It won’t ruin your life, but there will be consequences. And one of the most time-consuming parts involves completing Alcohol and Drug Substance Abuse Courses (ADSAC).

What Is ADSAC in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, ADSAC are classes you have to complete when your license has been suspended because of a DUI or DUI-Drugs. ADSAC is mandatory in the state—you can’t get your license back until you complete both an assessment and any assigned courses.

Your drug and alcohol assessment is an in-person, one-on-one session with a certified counselor. They’ll ask you questions about your substance use and then put together a treatment plan. For a first-time DUI, it will include ADSAC and a victims impact panel. For multiple DUIs, they can add on community service and even inpatient treatment.

How Much Does ADSAC Cost?

The total cost of ADSAC is about $350 to $550. Here’s the breakdown:

• The assessment costs $175, an amount set by state law
• Classes cost about $175 to $375, depending on how many hours you need and what school you attend

The cost of a DUI is already high enough, and unfortunately, you’ll also have to pay for these mandatory courses.

How Long Does It Take to Complete ADSAC?

Your drug and alcohol assessor can have you take either 10 or 24 total hours of ADSAC, broken down over several weeks:

• 10 hours of ADSAC: 3 courses over a period of few weeks
• 24 hours of ADSAC: 12 courses, twice a week for 6 weeks

You have six months from your assessment to complete ADSAC in Oklahoma. If you don’t complete your courses within that time frame, you might have to get another assessment. Once you start your courses, you typically have 60 days to complete them.

How Does ADSAC Work?

One of the most common questions our clients ask us is what to expect during Oklahoma’s ADSAC process. We’ll break it down here so you know how it works.

1. Complete Your Assessment

You must complete your drug and alcohol assessment before you can enroll in classes. You must be assessed by a professional DUI Assessor certified by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. (Typically, the same place that provides your classes can also provide your assessment.) The assessment takes about 2 hours because you’ll be individually assessed.

2. Attend ADSAC Classes

After your assessment, you’ll know whether you need to enroll in 10- or 24-hour ADSAC courses. If your classes are with the same organization that did your assessment, you might be able to show up without making an appointment—just make sure you’re early. But it’s safest to call and check how it works with your school of choice. You should also ask if you need to complete classes in a certain order and how payment works.

3. Get Your Certificate

When you complete your courses, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion from your facilitator. It will have an official seal and a stamp stating the date that you completed ADSAC. Once all of your other requirements are completed, for example the Impaired Driving Accountability Program (IDAP), you’ll mail all of your certificates and your reinstatement fee to Service Oklahoma — so make sure you don’t lose it!

Can You Get Out of ADSAC?

No, you can’t really get out of ADSAC in Oklahoma. If your license has been suspended due to a DUI, you’ll have to complete the assessment and all of the counselor’s recommendations before it will be reinstated. The only way to avoid ADSAC is for your license to remain valid.

You might be able to keep your license if you appeal your suspension to the SOK within the allowed time period. You might also be able to keep your license if you’re never found guilty of a DUI, for example if you get a deferred sentence or your case is dismissed. These are all important ways an experienced attorney might be able to help you lessen the impact of your DUI.

The Bottom Line

It’s important to talk to a DUI attorney as soon as you’re arrested—don’t wait until your license has been suspended or you’ve already started ADSAC in Oklahoma. An attorney can let you know what to expect from ADSAC and help you fight your charges, negotiate a plea deal, and navigate the entire process of getting a DUI. The Oklahoma DUI Guy will always be in your corner, so contact us today for a free case evaluation.