Who We Serve
The Community Clinic provides substance use education, assessments and counseling primarily for individuals ordered by the court to attend Driver Alcohol Education classes and Multiple Offender Program (MOP) /Second Offender Aftercare (SOA) program(s).
Massachusetts Impaired Driving (MID) Program
The program provides 32 hours of services conducted over 16 weeks and includes an assessment, participation in self-help and victim-impact community meetings. MID program participants are provided with a structured group setting where they receive educational material to help them identify and understand alcohol and substance use issues and drinking-driving behaviors. While the major focus of these programs is on alcohol, other substances of abuse are also discussed. This program is for individuals convicted for the first time for drunk driving and who choose this option as an alternative to losing their license or facing possible incarceration. Referrals are generally made by the adjudicating district court; however, if the client is under 21, the Registry of Motor Vehicles may mandate the offender’s participation. Most referrals come directly from the court systems as well as in and out of state and agencies such as the RMV and DMV.
Out-of-State DUIs
Most out-of-state courts and motor vehicle departments will accept the Massachusetts DAE course to fulfill their requirements for a drunk driving charge. ASAP can provide the service required of most of the remaining states and Canadian provinces. To avoid extra client work and unnecessary costs, ASAP requires permission to consult with out-of-state referring agencies. Persons with alcohol related traffic violations from outside of Massachusetts can usually fulfill the other State’s requirements by completing an ASAP program.
Multiple Offender Program/ Second Offender Aftercare
Persons served with a second driving offense may be enrolled in a MOP/SOA program. The goal of the MOP/SOA program is to continue the treatment efforts of those convicted of their second driving-under-the-influence offense. Individuals may choose this option as an alternative to a minimum at least 30 days incarceration. The adjudicating District Court makes all referrals. Completion of this program is one of several requirements that an individual must fulfill to be considered for a hardship driver’s license from the Registry of Motor Vehicles. DUI/Court Approved referrals have a requirement of one-year continuous substance use treatment. Treatment is based on the individual’s needs and may include higher levels of care.
Substance Use Evaluations
A substance abuse evaluation is a clinical tool to determine what is going on with a person who may be struggling with addiction. Additionally, an evaluation may include questions that can identify any coexisting conditions that need co-occurring disorder treatment, such as a mental or physical health issue.
24Q Evaluations
Section 24Q of Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws mandates that a person convicted of DUI or assigned to a program in a DUI case whose blood alcohol level was .20 or greater shall “complete an alcohol or drug assessment.” … The assessment shall include the level of the offender’s addiction to alcohol or drugs and the recommended course of treatment. Both the assessment and recommended course of treatment shall be reported to the court.
