NorthStar Driver Intervention Program:

The NorthStar Driver Intervention program is a State Certified Program which offers both 48 and 72 Hour Schedules. Certification by the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services indicates that NorthStar meets their strict standards for quality services. NorthStar believes that the participants are good people who made the wrong decision at the right time, and can benefit from education and discussion regarding the issues at hand.  

Held at a dedicated facility, NorthStar Staff Driver Intervention Center is designed to provide education, discussion, films, small group discussions, guest speakers and individual sessions designed to identify the behavior patterns that create a participant’s “eligibility” for an arrest event. NorthStar Staff work with participants in a collaborative manner to enable them to get maximum benefit from the program.

The curriculum includes information alcohol and drug education to enable understanding of the effects of those substances on the major tasks involved in driving safely.  In addition to alcohol and drug education, we examine drinking styles and patterns, which is important in making changes which will result in no future arrests events. The program curriculum includes synergism between alcohol and other drugs, its effects on the body, the “life-cycle” of different drugs in the body, and a discussion of the levels considered to be the “legal limit” as they apply to driving. These limits have been recently established and instituted. Alcoholism and drug abuse education also includes the curve from social drinking and use to addiction, and includes the denial system and effects on major life areas and the family. AA speakers present information on sober lifestyles and the value of AA, NA and other community support groups.

Important Notes:

• During the program weekend, a screening is completed and reports are faxed to the courts on Sunday afternoon to ensure prompt notification of completion. The participants are also given a copy of what is faxed to the courts, in addition to a Completion Certificate.

• Payment can be made at any time, including at the point of check in.  Payment arrangements can be made, but the full payment must be received prior to starting the class.

• If a person has a public defender, court appointed attorney, social security, social security disability, Medicaid, TANF or a letter from the court regarding inability to pay, a state fund can be billed for the cost of the program. If this fund has paid for a participant’s stay within 5 years of the new program, it cannot be used again.

• For additional information, please feel free to contact the Mary M. Melton, Ph.D., Director, at 937-231-9588 or Marilyn Lawrence, 937-253-1680, extension 203.