Oregon DUI Alcohol Assessment: ADSS Screening and Treatment Requirements

Within days of entering DUII diversion or being convicted in Oregon, you'll be required to complete an Alcohol and Other Drug Screening Specialist (ADSS) screening. This assessment determines whether you need 12 hours of education classes or months of outpatient rehabilitation — a difference of hundreds to thousands of dollars. Here's how the process works and what to expect.

The ADSS Screening ($150)

The ADSS screening is a standardized diagnostic interview conducted by a certified Oregon Alcohol and Other Drug Screening Specialist. Under ORS 813.021, it's mandatory for anyone entering DUII diversion or being sentenced after a conviction.

Cost: $150, paid directly to the screening agency at the time of the evaluation.

Timeline: Complete the screening within the court-mandated timeframe, typically five to ten days of entry or referral. Missing this deadline can trigger a diversion violation, so schedule it immediately after your arraignment or diversion entry.

What happens during the screening: The evaluator assesses your substance use history, the circumstances of your arrest, your BAC level, any prior alcohol-related incidents, family history, and current consumption patterns. Based on this assessment, they determine your treatment referral level.

Re-referral fee: If you need to transfer to a different treatment provider after the initial referral, there's a $35 re-referral fee.

Two Treatment Tracks

The ADSS screening sorts you into one of two treatment levels:

DUII Education (Low Risk)

• Duration: Minimum 12 hours over 4 weeks
• Cost: $500–$750
• Format: Group education classes covering alcohol and drug awareness, impaired driving risks, and decision-making
• Who gets this: Participants the ADSS screening identifies as low risk

DUII Rehabilitation (Higher Risk)

• Duration: 12 weeks or more of structured outpatient treatment
• Cost: $2,000+
• Format: Individual and group counseling sessions, regular urinalysis testing, structured curriculum
• Who gets this: Participants the ADSS screening identifies as higher risk

The clinical difference between a $500 education track and a $2,000+ rehabilitation track is substantial. The ADSS evaluator makes the treatment-level determination based on the screening assessment.

Finding an Approved Provider

Treatment must be completed through a provider certified by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). The OHA maintains a directory of approved DUII services providers in its DUII services directory.

When choosing a provider, consider:

• Location and schedule compatibility. You'll attend sessions regularly for weeks or months. Choose a provider with times that don't conflict with your work schedule — missed sessions can trigger a diversion violation.
• Sliding-scale fees. Many OHA-certified providers offer income-based sliding scales. Ask about this upfront, especially if you're on a limited budget.
• Insurance acceptance. Some treatment costs may be partially covered by health insurance, including Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid). Verify coverage before starting.

Compliance During Treatment

Once enrolled, you must complete the full program without interruption. Here's what can go wrong:

Missed sessions. Each provider has their own attendance policy, but most report unexcused absences to the court. Multiple missed sessions can lead to a show-cause hearing and potential diversion termination.

Positive urinalysis. Random urinalysis testing is part of the treatment program. A positive result for alcohol, recreational cannabis, or non-prescribed controlled substances is reported to the court and constitutes a diversion violation. Oregon's diversion program requires total abstinence from all of these substances for the entire 12-month period — not just on the days you're tested.

Non-payment. Treatment fees are paid directly to the provider, not through the court. If you fall behind on payments, the provider may report non-compliance. Discuss payment plans before this becomes an issue.

Treatment Completion Certificate

When you finish the program, the provider issues a treatment completion certificate. This document is essential — you'll need it for:

• Filing a motion to dismiss the DUII charge at the end of diversion
• Applying for early IID removal under ORS 813.645
• License reinstatement through the DMV (if required by court or administrative order)

Keep the original certificate and make copies. The court and DMV are separate systems, and you may need to present the certificate to both.

For a complete guide covering the treatment requirement within the broader timeline — from arrest through diversion completion and license reinstatement — the Oregon First-Offense DUI Guide maps every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose my own treatment provider?

Yes, as long as the provider is certified by OHA for DUII services. Your ADSS evaluator will make a referral, but you're not locked into that specific provider. If you transfer, expect the $35 re-referral fee.

What if I disagree with the treatment level assigned?

The ADSS assessment uses standardized screening instruments. While you can request a second evaluation from a different certified ADSS evaluator, the second assessment may produce the same result if the underlying indicators haven't changed. Discuss concerns with your attorney before pursuing a second screening.

Does completing treatment satisfy the DMV's requirements too?

Not automatically. Treatment completion satisfies the court's diversion or sentencing conditions. The DMV maintains separate requirements (IID compliance, SR-22, reinstatement fee). However, the treatment completion certificate may be needed for DMV reinstatement if a court or administrative order requires it.

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