My turn: El Dorado County DUI Treatment Court fosters healthier and safer lives

By Salina Villa

Drunk driving is the most frequently committed crime in the United States.

In 2009, approximately 1.44 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or narcotics. It is estimated that alcohol and other drugs are a factor in 31 percent of all fatal automobile accidents.

Drinking and driving, and its impact, affects people in all walks of life and in every type of community. It’s good to know that there are successful programs that address drinking and driving, and that strive to enhance community safety, reduce DUI recidivism and foster healthier and safer lives. One of those local programs is the DUI Treatment Court.

The El Dorado County DUI Treatment Court is specifically designed to address situations when a person has committed multiple DUI offenses and needs to take some serious steps to change their behavior. The program, which is coordinated through the Alcohol and Drug Programs of the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency, is a collaborative effort of several agencies, including the El Dorado County Probation Department and El Dorado County Superior Court.

After serving 30 days in jail, participants of the DUI Treatment Court are required to complete a comprehensive plan over a period of 12-18 months that includes appearing in court at least once a month, submitting to weekly drug tests and visits from their probation officer, and completing drug and alcohol treatment. Participants are also monitored through alternative methods such as the SCRAM ankle monitoring device, which provides 24/7 monitoring of alcohol consumption.

DUI Court programs work. Evaluations conducted throughout the nation show that DUI courts are successful. Studies show lower DUI recidivism rates have been found for graduates of DUI courts in Athens ,Ga., Maricopa County, Arizona, Los Angeles County and elsewhere. In fact, a study in Michigan found that DUI Court participants were 19 times less likely to be rearrested for DUI within two years compared to offenders who were in traditional probation.

In El Dorado County the program has not only helped its participants become less likely to be rearrested for a DUI, it has also helped improve the quality of their lives. While in treatment, a plan is created to address problems in areas such as physical health, mental health, employment, education, family/social interactions, parenting, transportation and housing. Some participants have entered college, obtained employment, removed themselves from abusive partners and given birth to healthy children.

Since January 2008, a total of 77 multiple DUI offenders have been referred to the El Dorado County DUI Treatment Court program. Of those 77 individuals, 59 voluntarily entered the program and started attending substance use disorder treatment. Of the 59 participants, 39 have graduated successfully and 16 are currently successfully participating in the program.

A successful graduation from the program is truly an achievement. The disease of addiction cannot be treated in isolation. It takes a serious and long-term commitment from the participants, their families and the professional staff to help someone make the transition from addiction to recovery. Every week in DUI Treatment Court, people work to achieve a self-sufficient, productive lifestyle.

What can we as a community do to encourage people to not drive while under the influence? Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has these tips to help ensure everyone’s safety:

• Designate a sober driver before social events and celebrations begin;
• Plan safe parties, including providing non-alcoholic drink options to guests and not serving alcohol the last hour of the gathering;
• Never serve alcohol to those under the age of 21;
• If you’ve been drinking, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
• If you know someone who is about to drive or ride with a driver who is impaired, take the driver’s keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

Salina Villa is health education coordinator of the Alcohol and Drug Programs of the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency