The assessment determines the level of substance abuse treatment in which the client can enroll with MBS Behavioral Health & Wellness. 

Level One: Alcohol and Drug Education Traffic School (ADETS).

A program for first time DWI offenders and early intervention, the 16-hour ADETS course is generally recommended when:

• The assessment did not identify a substance abuse handicap
• The person has no previous DWI offense conviction
• The person had an alcohol concentration of 0.14% or less at the time of arrest
• The person did not refuse to submit to a chemical test

If you are assigned to an ADETS class as a result of your DWI assessment, you must complete 16 hours of alcohol, drug, & DWI education, sometimes known as DWI class. This is only provided by programs licensed by the State of NC to provide ADETS. The ADETS curriculum is Prime for Life required by the State of NC.  The cost of ADETS is $160 for DWI clients, which is set by law in the state. Non-DWI clients are allowed to attend ADETS/Prime For Life to meet court or other requirements, $200.

Level Two: Short-Term Treatment Program

• for offenders who have completed ADETS, had a BAC over .14, refused the breathalyzer, or meet criteria for substance abuse (20 hours of treatment over 30 days)

As the result of your DWI substance abuse assessment, you might be required to complete a short-term Substance abuse treatment program. You would be placed in this program in accordance with guidelines issued by the N.C. Department of Human Services, which regulates DWI assessments and treatment. “All programs, whether private or public, must provide a minimum of 20 contact hours of treatment over a minimum of 30 days.” (NC DWI Services Administrative Rules)

MBS short-term program consists of a program orientation and seven 3-hour group counseling sessions over no less than 30 days. Groups meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 9:30 or 6:00 – 9:00 PM.

We will assist you in arranging a schedule that works best for you. State law requires one must complete the required number of hours for a short term in no less than 30 days.

Level Three: Intermediate Level -Longer Term Treatment Program

• for offenders who meet criteria for substance dependence, or who have completed a level 2 program (40 hours of treatment over 60 days).

As the result of your substance abuse assessment, you could be referred to  an Intermediate-term Substance Abuse Treatment Program. You would be placed in this program in accordance with guidelines issued by the N.C. Department of Human Resources, which regulates DWI assessments and treatment. Level III consists of a Program Orientation and 14 3 -hour sessions and an individual closing session, spread out over at least 60 days. Groups meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 9:30 or 6:00 – 9:00 PM.

We will assist you in arranging a schedule that works best for you. NC DWI law states you must complete the required number of hours in no less than 60 days. DWI statutes also require no less than weekly attendance.

Level 4:  Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program

• for offenders who meet criteria for substance dependence (with or without physiological dependence), or who have completed a level 3 program (90 days).

90-hour Program, completed in no less than 90 days. Groups meet Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Monday, Wednesday & Friday mornings.

Intensive groups meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and/or Thursday nights from 6 – 9 PM and Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Health insurance covers this service at all our locations.

Level 5: Inpatient Treatment

• While MBS does NOT provide this level of treatment, we can make such a referral.



If money is a concern, you might be able work out a payment plan or use health insurance to get your treatment hours completed.  Payment can be made by check, cash, credit card or money order.  All fees must be paid before your completion notice is sent to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Will my health insurance pay for DWI counseling groups? 
Yes, health insurance will pay for substance abuse counseling groups for MBS. MBS providers are “in network” with most of the insurance providers in our area. For health insurance to pay, there has to be at least a “mild substance use” diagnosis. A “mild” diagnosis doesn’t indicate that there are ongoing patterns of substance abuse, just that alcohol or drug use has caused a problem in your life, such as DWI, minor possession charges, positive test at work/school, etc. These situations constitute “medical necessity” to prevent the situations from recurring. When you report for your assessment, bring in your health insurance card. Though insurance can’t pay for DWI assessments, bring it so we can check your benefits when you enroll. Insurance will not pay for ADETS or education classes, only treatment of 20 or more hours.

Still have questions? Please contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you.