The Middlesex Driving Under the Influence of Liquor (“DUIL”) Program was designed for Massachusetts DUI second offenders. It consists of a 14 day residential treatment component which is followed up by 26 weeks of aftercare. At the end of the residential component, Wayland Mass alcohol education alcohol program participants are given a “discharge summary,” which invariably classifies them as having a “high” recidivism classification. However, once the 26 weeks of aftercare is completed, the likelihood of recidivism usually downgraded to “low.” This low risk of relapse is required to obtain a DUI hardship license.

The goal of the Wayland MA DUIL 2nd offender program is to provide information and counseling so that the participant conducts a self-assessment of his or her drinking pattern and lifestyle. The program is also designed to motivate the participants to seek further treatment upon discharge and address alcoholism through self-help groups and on-going treatment. This has been shown to reduce relapses.

The Wayland DUIL program recognizes that alcoholism is often associated with other issues such as history of abuse, health problems, or mental illness. The program is sensitive to these associated issues and it recognizes that underlying issues should be addressed along with the alcoholism. The starting point of the DUIL program is recognition that nobody is immune from alcoholism and it impacts people from all ethnic groups and walks of life. From the poorest to the wealthiest, the disease alcoholism can strike anyone.

The in-patient component of the Massachusetts DUIL program consists of an initial intake and assessment . This is followed by 3 to 4 hours of one on one counseling and a diagnostic alcohol evaluation. Clients then undergo group therapy sessions, case management, an introduction to AA and other self-help programs and resources. At the conclusion of the alcohol program, clients are able to share what they have learned with the other participants and a discharge assessment with additional treatment recommendations is performed. 

The Wayland MA DUIL program emphasizes open and honest communication regarding the stages of change. It has proven to be effective in reducing the likelihood of relapse and it imparts skills so that those who suffer from alcoholism are better able to manage the disease. Although it is primarily a second offender program, some DUI 3rd offenders have been assigned to and successfully completed both the in-patient portion of the program and the 26 weeks of aftercare. It is absolutely critical to retain a copy of the final discharge summary which is issued upon successful completion of both components of the DUIL program. This is required by courts, probation, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and the Division of Insurance Board of Appeal.  The final discharge summary, which contains a recidivism classification, is of paramount importance at hardship license hearings, as it presents an unbiased clinical assessment.