Treatment

What Is DUII Treatment in Oregon and Why Is It Required?

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In Oregon, about 25,000 people are arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) every year. Additionally, nearly 40% of all traffic deaths involve alcohol or another intoxicating substance. These numbers show why the state takes impaired driving so seriously, and why Oregon DUII treatment is a mandatory part of the legal process.

If you’re facing a charge for DUII, knowing what’s required is all about complying with state law, regaining your driving privileges, and preventing future risks. Oregon’s DUII treatment programs are there to educate, treat, and guide individuals toward safer, more responsible habits.

In this article, you’ll learn what DUII treatment involves, why it’s required, and how DUII programs can help you rebuild your life after a conviction.

A graphic image saying about 25,000 people are arrested for Oregon DUII every year
Source: Atlas Treatment Center

Understanding DUII in Oregon

While other states often use the term DUI (Driving Under the Influence), DUII in Oregon specifically refers to operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or controlled substances.

Driving under the influence of intoxicants comes with serious consequences. A first-time conviction is usually a Class A misdemeanor, which means you could face:

  • Fines up to $6,250, with a minimum of $1,000 or $2,000, depending on your blood alcohol level
  • Up to 364 days in county jail, or at minimum 48 hours in jail, or 80 hours of community service
  • A one-year driver’s license suspension, in addition to any other suspension from a failed or refused breath test
  • A mandatory alcohol evaluation ($150 fee)
  • Completion of a court-approved treatment program, paid out of pocket
  • Attendance at a victim impact panel
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle after your suspension period

These penalties are meant to hold you accountable while guiding you toward rehabilitation. 

Especially if you’re a first-time offender, you may qualify for Oregon’s DUII Diversion Program, which can help you avoid a criminal conviction. By entering diversion, you agree not to contest your case, complete a substance abuse evaluation and treatment, pay court fines, and stay alcohol-free for one year. You’ll also need to install an ignition interlock device (IID) while in the program. 

Successfully completing diversion can help you move forward without facing jail time, heavy fines, or a full license suspension.

Why the DUII Program in Oregon Is Required

A DUII program in Portland is an intervention meant to keep you and others safe while addressing the underlying reasons for impaired driving. 

Oregon law requires anyone under a diversion agreement or convicted of DUII  to complete both a screening interview with a certified Alcohol and Other Drug Screening Specialist (ADSS) and a DUII services program. The ADSS helps you find an approved provider and guides you through the process of selecting a program that meets your needs.

These programs serve a clear legal purpose: they aim to reduce repeat offenses, protect the public, and address substance use issues before they escalate. At the same time, you benefit personally by gaining awareness of your habits, learning strategies to stop drinking, and receiving support to make safer choices moving forward. Completing a DUII program gives you the tools to avoid future legal trouble and make meaningful, long-term changes in your life.

Not everyone qualifies for diversion, however, so it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria before enrolling.

In general, you must not have pending DUII charges or convictions in the past 15 years, cannot be involved in serious accidents causing injury or death, and must not hold or have been operating a commercial driver’s license at the time of the offense. Other restrictions include not currently participating in a similar diversion or rehabilitation program. 

These criteria ensure that the program targets individuals most likely to benefit from education and treatment rather than incarceration.

Source: Freepik

What DUII Treatment Entails

Every Oregon DUII program must meet state requirements, but how it’s delivered can make a big difference in your experience. These programs balance structure with flexibility so you can stay on track without disrupting your daily life.

Typically, a program can last for about 12 weeks and includes:

  • Weekly education classes and therapy groups focused on understanding substance use, building healthier habits, and preventing relapse
  • Regular urinalysis (UAs) to ensure accountability and measure progress
  • Completion requirements that include attending all sessions and maintaining sobriety throughout the program

Throughout the program, you’ll cover topics similar to those found in a drug and alcohol assessment, giving you insight into substance use patterns and strategies for safer choices. Unlike multi-phase rehab models, DUII treatment in Oregon is straightforward: complete the sessions, stay substance-free, and you’ll graduate successfully.

However, keep in mind that while completing your DUII program in Oregon is an important milestone, support shouldn’t end at graduation. Reputable treatment centers continue to offer guidance to help you maintain the progress you’ve made long after you’ve finished a DUII program.

Many provide optional aftercare groups where you can stay connected with peers, as well as one-on-one counseling sessions for personalized support. Staff are also available to help you develop ongoing wellness strategies and manage challenges as they arise. 

Benefits of DUII Programs in Oregon

As you learned, completing a DUII program helps you make lasting changes. Here’s how it can benefit you.

  • Increased awareness. Programs educate you on how alcohol and substances affect your judgment, helping you recognize risky behaviors before they escalate.
  • Safer decision-making. Through counseling and structured learning, you develop strategies to avoid impaired driving and make responsible choices in the future.
  • Support for recovery. Access to therapy and group sessions provides ongoing guidance, helping you address underlying substance use and maintain healthier habits.
A graphic image stating how treatment centers offering Oregon DUII programs help even after completing therapy
Source: Atlas Treatment Center

Tips for Successfully Completing DUII Treatment

Successfully completing an Oregon DUII program takes focus, commitment, and active participation to ensure you meet legal requirements and develop safer habits. Following these tips can help you get the most out of your program and support long-term behavior change.

Attend All Sessions Consistently

Showing up for every scheduled session is critical to meeting program requirements. Regular attendance not only keeps you on track with the court but also ensures you don’t miss key lessons on substance use and risk reduction.

Participate Actively in Counseling and Group Discussions

Engaging fully in both individual and group sessions helps you process your experiences and learn practical coping strategies. Sharing your challenges and insights with others provides accountability and reinforces the tools you’ll need outside the program.

Apply Strategies Learned in Daily Life

The techniques and coping mechanisms you learn during sessions are only effective if you use them in your day-to-day life. Focusing on staying sober and making thoughtful, safe decisions helps prevent future DUII incidents and strengthens long-term recovery.

Seek Additional Support if Needed

Even after completing sessions, you may benefit from extra guidance through one-on-one counseling, support groups, or other professional resources. Ongoing support helps reinforce the habits and decision-making skills you develop during your program, keeping you on a safer path.

Source: Freepik

Conclusion

Finishing an Oregon DUII program helps you meet legal requirements while learning safer habits and reducing the risk of future incidents. Fully engaging in the program, attending all sessions, and applying what you learn allows you to comply with Oregon law and build long-term skills for responsible driving. 

To take the next step, Atlas Treatment Center offers a trusted DUII program that will help you stay sober and become a responsible driver.

Emmy Borromeo

Author

Emmy is a content specialist dedicated to helping brands boost their online presence and reputation through tailored, well-researched copy. With expertise across diverse niches—including mental health—she crafts messages that resonate with target audiences.

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