Who gets ordered to take one
Alcohol awareness classes are common after lower-level alcohol offenses and in other situations, such as:
- A minor in possession (MIP) ticket
- An open container or public intoxication charge
- A first alcohol-related offense handled through diversion
- A condition of probation
- A school or employer requirement
Your paperwork may call it an alcohol awareness class, alcohol education, a substance awareness class or a drug and alcohol class. The name matters less than the number of hours and who is asking for it.
What the class covers
- How alcohol and drugs affect the body and mind
- Recognizing risky patterns of use
- Decision-making and peer influence
- The legal consequences of alcohol- and drug-related offenses
- Coping strategies and relapse prevention
- Where to find ongoing support
How many hours, and what it costs
Book the number of hours your paperwork lists. If it doesn’t list one, ask whoever ordered the class before you pay. Prices for the drug and alcohol awareness class:
- 4 hours: $100
- 8 hours: $175
- 12 hours: $250
- 16 hours: $325
Awareness class, treatment or DUI school?
These are three different things, and signing up for the wrong one is a common and costly mistake:
- An alcohol awareness class is education: you learn about alcohol, risk and choices, usually over a few hours.
- Treatment is clinical care, such as outpatient counseling, usually after an assessment recommends it.
- DUI school is a program some states require after a drunk-driving offense, often from a provider the state licenses.
Schroeder Counseling’s class is education only. If your requirement comes from a DMV, the Secretary of State, or a DUI school or program, confirm with them before you book. If a court ordered an assessment first, start with a substance abuse evaluation.
For more, see DUI class vs. alcohol education class and education class vs. treatment program.
How the online class works
Every class is live on Zoom with Jennifer Schroeder, M.S., CADC, and attendance is checked during class. The moment your booking is paid, we email you a Proof of Enrollment letter you can show your court, school or employer. Your signed letter of completion is emailed to you the day you finish your required hours, with a certificate ID anyone can check at schroedercounseling.com/verify.
Before you book
Whoever ordered the class, whether a court, probation department, school or employer, decides what it accepts. Confirm the number of hours and whether a live online class is allowed before you enroll. Questions? Call (734) 834-6934.