Deep, OUI’s, Deferred Dispositions
WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES- WHAT MATTERS IS WHAT COMES NEXT
There are moments in life that stop us in our tracks. Moments that make us take a hard look at where we are, how we got there and where we want to go next.
For some people, that moment comes in a form of a OUI or Deferred Disposition
It’s not anything anyone plans for. Its not something people want to talk about openly, and often, it carries a heavy weight- shame-fear, judgement, and uncertainty about what comes next.
A OUI does not define who you are and a Deferred Disposition is not a free pass - its an opportunity.
Lets Talk About It- Without Judgement
When someone receives an OUI, the immediate reaction is often embarrassment or silence. People worry what others will think, how it is impacting their future. But the truth is - many people have been there. And more importantly, many people have moved forward from it.
A Deferred Disposition, in particular, is the system recognizing something important : That people are capable of change.
It’s a second chance to pause, reflect, and make different choices moving forward.
The Process for OUI’s
With a OUI: You will need to call the DEEP office in Augusta and find out what they are wanting you to do. Typically they want you to attend what is called a Deep Weekend, this is where they will educate you about drinking and driving. You can choose to attend the educational weekend or not, regardless they charge for this educational weekend.
If you attend, from there they will decide one of two things.
Requiring an evaluation
In my office, this consist of 4 sessions. During the time we are together there will be a lot of paperwork we will do together to help me to determine if you would benefit from treatment
I am required to have you sign a contract that you will not use substances while we are working together
I am required to do what is called a concerned persons interview, this is me talking to someone you choose about your use.
There is a random drug & alcohol screen with this process and you are always welcome to do this at your doctors office.
At the end of the four sessions I need to give you my clinical opinion, that being you would benefit from support or at this time it is determined you do not need to attend any counseling sessions
If I determined you would benefit from further treatment, I need to give you the names of other counselors that could work with you to complete the Deep requirement. (This is Deep’s rule)
If I believe you do not need further treatment at this time, I will write what is called a “discharge summary” to Deep sharing how I came to this clinical decision.
At this time you’d give it a couple weeks and call the DMV to find out when you can drive.
Payments
To keep things simple & consistent, payment is collected at the end of each session.
Therapy
If you come to me for therapy sessions an evaluation is part of this process. From the evaluation I need to do two things:
1- Make a clinical diagnosis about your use
2- Using Deep Guidelines - determine how many sessions we will be working together
At the end of these sessions I will write a “discharge summary” to Deep sharing how many sessions we worked together and what I believe you have gained from our sessions. Then you would want to give Deep time to process your paperwork, usually a couple weeks and then call the DMV about your license.
Payments
To keep things simple & consistent, payment & co-pays are collected at the end of each of these sessions.
How many sessions would be required in therapy it is determined by the information gathered & Deeps program guidelines
If you believe you would benefit from therapy, you can call them and let them know this. They will give you a list of providers to call and make an appointment.
If you believe you do not have a substance use problem, you can always go to the educational weekend. They will decide there if they are sending you for an evaluation.
Deferred Dispositions
Deferred dispositions are typically agreements established between the individuals,their legal counsel, and the court.
These agreements often require the individual to complete certain conditions over a period, which may include substance use evaluations, mental health assessments, and/or participation in counseling services.
Upon successful completion of all required conditions within the agreed - upon timeframe, the individual is considered to have fulfuilled the terms of the agreement.
