If you have been ordered by a court to complete a drug and alcohol education class, one of the most common sources of confusion is the difference between a drug and alcohol education class and a substance abuse treatment program. Understanding the distinction is important because enrolling in the wrong type of program could mean your court order is not satisfied.
A drug and alcohol education class (also called an awareness class or substance education program) is a structured educational program designed to provide information about the effects of drugs and alcohol, legal consequences of substance-related offenses, and strategies for making better decisions. Education classes are typically short-term (4 to 24 hours) and do not involve individual therapy or clinical treatment.
A substance abuse treatment program, on the other hand, is a clinical program designed to treat individuals who have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Treatment programs involve individual and/or group therapy, may include medication-assisted treatment, and can range from outpatient counseling to intensive outpatient programs (IOP) to residential/inpatient care.
Key differences: Education classes are preventive and informational — they are designed for people who may not have a substance use disorder but need to understand the risks and consequences. Treatment programs are therapeutic and clinical — they are designed for people who have been assessed and found to need clinical intervention for a substance use disorder.
Your court order should specify which type of program you need. Common phrases that indicate an education class include: "drug and alcohol awareness class," "substance abuse education," "alcohol education program," or "DUI education class." Phrases that indicate treatment include: "substance abuse treatment," "outpatient counseling," "intensive outpatient program," or "follow the recommendations of your substance abuse assessment."
If you are unsure whether your court order requires an education class or treatment, the best approach is to contact your probation officer or attorney for clarification before enrolling in any program.
At Schroeder Counseling, we offer both drug and alcohol education classes and substance abuse assessments. Our education classes are court-approved, led by licensed counselors, and available in 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24+ hour formats. If your assessment recommends treatment, we also offer outpatient counseling services with licensed therapists.