Rhode Island DUI Treatment Program
Rhode Island DMV-Approved DUI Treatment Program
If you've been charged with a DUI or Refusal in Rhode Island, you may be required to complete an alcohol treatment program as part of your DMV or court requirements. AdCare Rhode Island is a state-approved provider offering structured, compassionate outpatient care designed to help you meet those requirements — and address whatever brought you here.
What Is Rhode Island's DUI/Refusal Treatment Requirement?
In Rhode Island, both the DMV and the courts can require alcohol treatment following a DUI or Refusal (test refusal) charge. Under Rhode Island law (RIGL 31-27-2), treatment providers must be approved by the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH). The DMV sends affected drivers a packet listing approved providers — AdCare Rhode Island is among them.
Completing a state-approved treatment program is typically required for:
- License reinstatement following a DUI-related suspension
- Compliance with court-ordered conditions
- Satisfying second-offense sentencing requirements, which under RI law include a mandatory 15-week treatment program
Failure to complete the program can result in continued suspension of your driving privileges or a probation violation if treatment was ordered by a judge.
AdCare Rhode Island's DUI Treatment Program
AdCare Rhode Island offers a structured outpatient treatment program specifically designed for first- and second-time DUI/Refusal offenders. Our program meets Rhode Island DMV requirements and is built around your schedule, with evening sessions that let you keep working, stay with your family, and move forward.
At AdCare, we believe a DUI doesn’t define you. Our experienced clinical team provides personalized, evidence-based care in a safe and supportive environment, helping you understand the role alcohol played in this situation and build the tools you need for lasting change.
Two Tracks Based on Your Offense
AdCare’s DUI treatment program offers two distinct tracks based on your offense history:
First-Time Offense Track
Duration: 10–12 weeks For individuals charged with a first DUI or Refusal who have been referred to alcohol treatment by the Rhode Island DMV or a court. This track provides structured group sessions, individual counseling, and toxicology screenings in a supportive outpatient setting.
Second-Time Offense Track
Duration: 15–20 weeks For individuals with a second offense, consistent with Rhode Island law’s requirement of 15 weeks of substance abuse counseling for second-offense DUI convictions. This track includes the same evidence-based treatment structure with extended duration and ongoing clinical support.
What to Expect
Weekly Schedule
- Group Session: Tuesdays, 6:00–7:30 PM
- Format: 90-minute sessions, a focused, efficient format compared to the 3-hour standard at many programs
Clinical Services
- Bi-weekly individual therapy sessions, one-on-one sessions with your counselor every two weeks, or more frequently as clinically needed
- Weekly toxicology screenings, supporting accountability and monitoring progress throughout the program
- Supportive, evidence-based group care, facilitated sessions covering the clinical and behavioral factors underlying DUI-involved alcohol use
- Guidance through completion requirements, your team will help you understand and meet all documentation and compliance steps for DMV and court purposes
Program Features and Benefits
State-Approved Provider AdCare Rhode Island is an approved treatment provider under Rhode Island DMV and BHDDH guidelines. Completion of our program satisfies the DMV’s alcohol treatment requirement for eligible first- and second-time DUI/Refusal offenders.
Evening Schedule Tuesday evening sessions from 6:00–7:30 PM mean you can continue working, caring for your family, and managing your daily responsibilities while completing your program requirement.
Faster Session Format At 90 minutes per session, AdCare’s group sessions are built for people who need efficient, structured care, not a program that takes up an entire evening. Most comparable programs run 3 hours.
Individualized Support No two situations are the same. Your counselor takes time to understand your specific circumstances and tailors treatment planning and individual sessions accordingly.
Weekly Progress Monitoring Toxicology screenings occur weekly, providing consistent accountability and documentation of your progress throughout the program.
Evidence-Based, Compassionate Care AdCare Rhode Island has provided addiction treatment in New England for more than 50 years. Our clinical team brings that experience to every session, meeting you where you are, without judgment.
Accreditations
AdCare Treatment Centers hold Joint Commission accreditation and have served New England for over 50 years. AdCare Rhode Island is an approved treatment provider under the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH), meeting the state’s DMV treatment program requirements under RIGL 31-27-2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this program for? AdCare Rhode Island’s DUI treatment program is designed for adults in Rhode Island who have been charged with a DUI or Refusal (refusal to submit to a chemical test) and have been referred to alcohol treatment by the Rhode Island DMV or a court. The program serves both first-time and second-time offenders.
Is AdCare Rhode Island a DMV-approved treatment provider? Yes. AdCare Rhode Island is approved by the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH) as an alcohol treatment provider, meeting the requirements of RIGL 31-27-2. Completion of our program satisfies the Rhode Island DMV’s treatment requirement for eligible offenders.
What is the difference between the Alcohol Education Program and an alcohol treatment program? Rhode Island’s Alcohol Education Program (held at CCRI) is required for most first-time DUI offenders. If your CCRI alcohol assessment indicates a higher risk of reoffending, you will be referred to an approved treatment provider like AdCare for a more intensive treatment program. Treatment is separate from, and more clinically involved than, the standard education program.
How long is the program? AdCare’s DUI treatment program offers two tracks: 10–12 weeks for first-time offense cases, and 15–20 weeks for second-time offense cases. Program length may be adjusted based on clinical assessment and individual progress.
When are sessions held? Group sessions are held on Tuesdays from 6:00–7:30 PM. Individual therapy sessions are scheduled bi-weekly with your assigned counselor. Weekly toxicology screenings are also part of the program schedule.
Why are sessions 90 minutes instead of 3 hours? AdCare’s DUI treatment group sessions run 90 minutes, a focused, structured format that delivers the clinical content required without occupying an entire evening. Most comparable programs run 3 hours per session.
Will I receive documentation for the DMV and/or court? Yes. AdCare will provide completion documentation for DMV and court compliance purposes. Your counselor will help you understand what documentation is needed and ensure it is completed correctly throughout the program.
Do I need to complete the CCRI Alcohol Education Program before starting at AdCare? In most cases, the CCRI Alcohol Education Program is the first step, and individuals are referred to alcohol treatment after a CCRI assessment identifies a clinical need. However, some offenders, particularly second-time or court-ordered cases, are referred directly to treatment. Call AdCare’s admissions team to confirm the right starting point for your situation.
Does insurance cover the DUI treatment program? Coverage varies by plan. AdCare accepts most major commercial insurance. Call our admissions team at 866-739-7692 or use our online insurance verification tool to check your specific benefits.
What if I also have an addiction issue beyond what brought me here? Many people in AdCare’s DUI program recognize, or discover during treatment, that their relationship with alcohol is more complicated than a single incident. Our clinical team is equipped to address the full picture, including co-occurring disorders, without judgment. If a higher level of care is indicated, we can help coordinate that transition within AdCare’s continuum.
How do I get started? Call AdCare’s admissions team at 866-739-7692 or start the intake process online. Our team can confirm your eligibility, verify your insurance, and get you enrolled quickly, most programs have long wait times, and getting started early protects your timeline for DMV compliance.