If you’ve been charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI), the legal and personal consequences can feel overwhelming. You may need to complete a DUI-related program, but knowing which one applies can be confusing.
The two most common programs are the DUI Intervention Program and the DUI Clinical Program. While they sound similar, they serve very different purposes.
At AACS Counseling, we’ll explain the difference so you can take the right steps toward legal compliance, license reinstatement, and personal recovery.
Understanding the Basics
Let’s start by defining the two programs:
DUI Intervention Program
A structured, short-term educational course for people charged with DUI. It focuses on:
- Awareness and prevention.
- Personal responsibility.
- Reducing the risk of repeat offenses.
It’s usually required for first-time or low-risk offenders.
DUI Clinical Program
A treatment-based program assigned after a clinical alcohol and drug evaluation. It addresses deeper substance use issues and may include:
- Group therapy.
- One-on-one counseling.
- Outpatient treatment.
It is often required for moderate- to high-risk offenders.
Purpose of Each Program
DUI Intervention Program
- Educates offenders about the risks of impaired driving.
- Promotes accountability and safer choices.
- Encourages prevention strategies for the future.
- Typically assigned by the court or Department of Driver Services (DDS).
👉 Best suited for first-time or low-risk DUI offenders.
DUI Clinical Program
- Provides counseling or therapy for substance use problems.
- Recommended after an evaluation shows risk or dependency.
- Includes customized treatment plans.
- May require drug testing or relapse prevention planning.
👉 Designed for repeat offenders or those with signs of addiction.
Court and DDS Requirements
In Georgia, the court or probation office will order a clinical evaluation by a licensed professional. Based on the results:
No further treatment needed → You’ll attend the DUI Risk Reduction (Intervention) Program.
Treatment required → You’ll enter a DUI Clinical Program to address substance use.
At AACS Counseling, we provide both evaluations and treatment so you can handle everything in one place.
Key Differences Between DUI Intervention vs. DUI Clinical Program
| Feature | DUI Intervention Program | DUI Clinical Program |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Education & risk reduction | Therapy & recovery |
| Length | 20-hour course (2–3 days) | Weeks or months |
| Format | Classroom or online sessions | Group or individual counseling |
| Assigned By | Court, DDS, or low-risk evaluation | Court or evaluator (moderate/high risk) |
| Ideal For | First-time, low-risk offenders | Repeat or high-risk offenders |
| Evaluation Required | Not always | Yes – mandatory clinical evaluation |
Program Duration and Format
DUI Intervention Program
- Lasts 20 hours, usually over a weekend or split sessions.
- May be offered in-person or online.
- Covers:
- Effects of alcohol and drugs on driving.
- Georgia DUI laws.
- Better decision-making and coping strategies.
Duration varies: 8 to 24 weeks or longer.
DUI Clinical Program
Includes:
- Weekly group therapy.
- Individual counseling.
- Relapse prevention planning.
- Sometimes drug testing.
Legal Impact of Each Program
Both programs matter for license reinstatement, probation compliance, and sentence reduction. However, skipping the required program—or completing the wrong one—can delay your case or cause non-compliance.
DUI Intervention Program
- Required for Georgia Risk Reduction certification.
- Must be completed for license reinstatement after a first DUI.
DUI Clinical Program
- Often mandatory for repeat offenses, high BAC cases, or evaluation findings.
- May be required even for first offenses if signs of substance misuse are present.
- Proves rehabilitation and compliance to the court.
Which Program Is Right for You?
In most cases, your evaluation and court order decide which program you must attend. Here’s a quick guide:
- First DUI, low BAC, no signs of addiction → DUI Intervention Program.
- Second DUI, high BAC, addiction signs, or failed prior intervention → DUI Clinical Program.
At AACS Counseling, we offer same-day SAP evaluations so you can get a clear recommendation fast and start the correct program without delay.
Why Choose AACS Counseling?
We’ve helped thousands of Georgia clients meet court, DDS, and probation requirements with:
- Licensed and court-approved counselors.
- Same-day DUI evaluations.
- Flexible schedules for both programs.
- Online and in-person options.
- A safe, confidential, and supportive environment.
Whether you need a 20-hour intervention course or a personalized treatment plan, AACS Counseling is here to guide you every step of the way.
Review DUI Intervention vs. DUI Clinical Program: What’s the Difference?.