Published: April 07, 2008 04:16 pm            

O.A.S.I.S. counselors provide second chance

A local non-profit agency is helping those convicted of driving under the influence offenses recover more than their drivers licenses.

O.A.S.I.S. — Oklahoma Addiction Specialists Incorporated Services — provides resources that meet the requirements to comply with reinstatement to Oklahoma’s automatic drivers license revocation laws. The state’s Department of Public Safety requires anyone arrested for driving under the influence to first get an evaluation from a licensed agency, then submit to the requirements outlined in the evaluation. The higher the level identified by the evaluation, the higher level of services the offender is required to meet.

Bill Robinson, executive director and counselor at O.A.S.I.S., said the agency offers the assessments, group therapy, 10- and 24-hour DUI schools and anything else needed to help them along their way.

“It’s not about ‘shame on you,’” Robinson said. “It’s about giving them positive alternatives so it doesn’t happen again.”

Robinson said the four staff members employed at O.A.S.I.S. hosting the classes and groups all are licensed drug and alcohol counselors offering together about 50 years of experience in the field.

Robinson said he has had great feedback from the classes and groups he conducts. He said the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services recognizes the Alcohol, Drug and Substance Abuse Course — also known as ADSAC or DUI school — research has shown. The curriculum includes state mandated materials.

Robinson said the classes are held periodically and, depending on the assessed level of need, often enough for the offender to complete requirements. O.A.S.I.S. also offers a program for state Department of Corrections inmates.

Robinson said the classes and other consequences of a DUI aren’t cheap. He said it has been estimated that a typical DUI charge can cost about $4,000.

Listed below are the expectations the state DPS outlines when someone receives a letter stating they must receive an ADSAC assessment.

• To answer questions about your offense(s) honestly.

• To pay a total of $175 for your assessment (classes represent an additional cost)

• To be assessed in a professional setting.

• To receive written information regarding your recommendations.

• To receive information identifying the professional credentials of your ADSAC assessor.

• To have a formal, face-to-face clinical interview with a certified ADSAC assessor.

• To be given a minimum of three outside referral options or as many as are available within a 70 mile radius.