What Is ADETS and What to Expect?

If you have been charged with a DWI in North Carolina, you have probably heard the word ADETS by now. Maybe a lawyer mentioned it. Maybe you saw it on court paperwork. Either way, you are not sure what it means or what you are walking into.

Here is everything you need to know.

A clear path forward — one step at a time.

What Does ADETS Stand For?

ADETS stands for Alcohol Drug Education Traffic School.

It is a state-approved education program in North Carolina. It is not therapy. It is not punishment. It is an educational course designed to reduce the risk of future alcohol- and drug-related driving incidents.

Who Has to Complete ADETS?

Not everyone charged with a DWI completes ADETS. First, you need a substance use assessment from a licensed assessor. That assessment determines your next step.

You qualify for ADETS if you meet all three of these conditions:

• This is your first DWI offense

• Your blood alcohol content (BAC) was .14 or lower

• A licensed substance abuse assessor recommends it

If your BAC was higher or you have prior offenses, your assessor may recommend a different level of treatment. ADETS is the education track. It is for lower-risk cases.

What Curriculum Does ADETS Use?

ADETS uses the Prime for Life curriculum. This is a research-based program used across the country. It focuses on the science behind risk, alcohol and drug use, and how personal choices affect long-term outcomes.

The program does not lecture you. It asks you to think. It presents information and invites you to assess your own risk honestly.

How Long Is the Program?

ADETS is 16 hours total.

Most people complete it over four consecutive days, roughly four hours per session. The schedule depends on the provider.

At Hotch Healing, we offer ADETS at our Wake Forest office. Contact us directly for current scheduling options.

How Much Does It Cost?

• ADETS program fee: 60

• Required workbook: 5

• Total: 85

You pay this separately from your assessment fee. The assessment itself costs 00 and is required before you can enroll in ADETS.

What Happens During Class?

You attend class in a small group setting. You are not singled out. You are not asked to confess anything in front of the room.

The sessions cover topics like:

• How alcohol and drugs affect decision-making and risk perception

• The difference between use, misuse, and dependency

• Why people underestimate their own risk

• Strategies for making lower-risk choices going forward

You participate in discussions. You work through the workbook. You show up sober and present for every session.

That last point matters. You must attend all sessions free from any impairment. If you arrive under the influence, you cannot participate that day.

Do You Have to Be Sober During the Program?

Yes. Every session requires you to be fully sober and clear-headed. This is both a program requirement and a practical one. The curriculum only works if you can engage with it.

What Happens After You Finish?

You receive a Certificate of Completion. This document is your proof that you have satisfied the ADETS requirement.

You need this certificate to move forward with driver license restoration through the North Carolina DMV. Keep it in a safe place.

How Long Do You Have to Enroll?

You have six months from the date of your substance use assessment to enroll in ADETS. Do not wait until the last minute. Scheduling fills up, and delays push back your license restoration timeline.

Can You Complete ADETS If You Are From Out of State?

Yes. Hotch Healing accepts out-of-state referrals with proper documentation. If you received a DWI in North Carolina but live elsewhere, you can still complete your assessment and ADETS program with us.

Call us before your appointment so we can confirm what documentation you need to bring.

Why Complete ADETS at Hotch Healing?

Domonique Blackmon, LCMHC, LCAS, provides both DWI assessments and the ADETS program at our Wake Forest office. Completing both with one provider keeps the process simple and consistent.

You get clear guidance from start to finish, from your initial assessment through your Certificate of Completion, without coordinating between multiple offices.

We serve clients throughout Wake County, including Raleigh, North Raleigh, Youngsville, and Rolesville.

Ready to Get Started?

The sooner you complete your assessment and enroll in ADETS, the sooner you get your license back.

Contact Hotch Healing today to schedule your substance use assessment. We will answer your questions and get you on the calendar.

Domonique Blackmon, LCMHC, LCAS, provides DWI assessments and ADETS programs at Hotch Healing in Wake Forest, NC. We serve clients throughout Wake County and the greater Raleigh area.