The North Carolina Alcohol Drug Education Training School (ADETS) is a state-approved educational program for individuals convicted of a first-time DWI offense who have been assessed as low risk for substance use disorder. ADETS is part of the North Carolina DWI Services system and meets requirements set by the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services (DMH/DD/SAS) and the North Carolina DMV.
This program is structured to promote awareness, accountability, and informed decision-making related to alcohol and drug use and driving.
Core components of ADETS include:
- 16 hours of classroom instruction, typically delivered over 4–5 sessions
- Use of the Prime for Life® curriculum, an evidence-based prevention and intervention model
- Education on alcohol and drug effects, decision-making, and legal consequences
- Strategies to avoid future high-risk behavior and impaired driving
- No treatment component unless otherwise determined by assessment
ADETS is only available to individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria, including:
- A first-time DWI offense
- Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) below 0.15 at the time of arrest
- No identified substance use disorder based on a substance use assessment
- No prior participation in DWI treatment or education programs
Upon successful completion of ADETS and payment of all associated fees, participants receive a certificate of completion that may be submitted to the court or NC DMV to satisfy legal and administrative requirements.
ADETS may also be recommended by an assessor as a preventive option even outside of a DWI case, especially in situations involving early intervention or court diversion programs.
Certified ADETS providers can be located through Online Class Advisor’s North Carolina ADETS Directory, making it easy to find classes that fit your schedule and location.