After an arrest for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI), many people enter treatment programs either because of a court order or through their own volition. There are many treatment options available, both through private organizations and the Colorado Office of Behavioral Health. Some of the more treatment options commonly utilized by DUI are discussed below.
Alcoholics Anonymous
The National Institutes of Health reports that Alcoholic Anonymous is the largest mutual health organization for alcoholics in the world. While the organization is non-governmental, courts tend to recognize participation in Alcoholics Anonymous as a legitimate treatment option for people who are accused of criminal offenses related to the use of alcohol.
Community Behavioral Health Programs
The Colorado Department of Human Services offers various programs that are focused on behavioral health prevention, intervention, and treatment services for individuals with issues related to substance abuse and other behavioral problems. Among the programs offered are the following:
- Colorado Prevention Partnership for Success – The Colorado Prevention Partnership for Success (CPPS) is a program that is designed to reduce substance abuse rates throughout the state. The program operates by reaching out to specific populations throughout Colorado with existing and emerging substance abuse problems.
- Persistent Drunk Driver Program – Pursuant to legislation passed in 1998, the Persistent Drunk Driver Program authorizes increased penalties for individuals who are repeat DUI offenders. The program includes a fund used to support programs intended to educate the public regarding the dangers of persistent drunk driving.
- Alcohol & Drug Emergency Commitment – The Alcohol & Drug Emergency Commitment program allows individuals to be placed in a licensed detoxification program without their consent under certain conditions.
- Alcohol & Drug Involuntary Commitment – Colorado law allows a person to be committed to the care and custody of the Office of Behavioral Health for a period of up to seven months. When this occurs, the individual is placed into a treatment program that is “appropriate and likely to be beneficial” based on the evaluations of the staff. In order to be involuntarily committed, a person must provide clear and convincing evidence that the person to be committed is an alcoholic or drug user, dangerous to him or herself or others, and/or incapacitated, and refused voluntary treatment. The legal proceeding to involuntarily commit an individual can be commenced while he or she is in a licensed detoxification program.
Contact a Denver DUI defense attorney today to schedule a free consultation
A Colorado DUI conviction is a serious criminal matter than can cost people thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours. Fortunately, there are many ways that a DUI defense lawyer can help, including representing you in court and connecting you with alcohol treatment services that can help get your life back on track. Even if you do not believe that you have a problem with alcohol, preemptively entering treatment may be advisable, as courts tend to look favorably upon individuals who proactively address their problems. To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, please call the Tiftickjian Law Firm today at (303) DUI-5280.