Massachusetts Impaired Driving Program (MID)
Legislation: First Offender
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides an alternative legal disposition under Massachusetts General Laws Part I, Title XIV, Chapter 90, Section 24D, for certain individuals charged with Operating Under the Influence (OUI) offenses. This disposition is aimed primarily at first offenders and some second offenders who meet specific eligibility criteria. Eligible individuals may be placed on probation and mandated to complete a state-approved substance use education program, providing an alternative to incarceration and harsher consequences. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services holds exclusive jurisdiction to license and approve impaired driving programs in accordance with Massachusetts law.
Mandatory Education
Individuals must attend and complete a Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services approved Massachusetts Impaired Driving Program (MID) formerly called Driver Alcohol Education Program (DAE).
Note: Impaired driving programs not approved by DPH BSAS will not fulfill the requirement.
MID Program Overview
The goal of the Massachusetts Impaired Driving Program is to provide adjudicated DUI first offenders the educational opportunity gained from knowledge related to alcohol abuse and its effects on driving. While the efforts of the program are educational in nature, they are not limited to this process. It is the hope of the program that through the educational process behaviors will be modified subsequently lowering the risk for future substance abuse related driving problems.
Format: 38 hours of programming as follows:
Intake Session: At your initial intake appointment, a clinician will meet with you to gather information from you to develop an individualized plan. Your clinician will explain the program’s expectations, polices, and payment. Additionally, you will be provided information on when you will begin the program.
MID Group Sessions: The MID Program is conducted over the course of 16 weeks. The group sessions are two-hours each week for a total of 32 hours of psychoeducational sessions.
Mid- Point Review Assessment: At your 8-week session, a clinician will either meet with you individually or as a group to assess your progress and update your individualized plan.
Victim Impact Awareness: As part of the program, there will be two hours dedicated to to increase the awareness on the impact that alcohol and/or drug use has on other individuals in society.
Community- Based Self- Help Meetings: You are expected to attend 4 hours of self-help meetings outside of group. You will be expected to have your attendance signed by the facilitator of the meeting to provide to your provider.
Individual Discharge Session (Exit Interview): This will be the last step in the program. You will meet with a clinician to go over your progress in the program, any suggestions for further care, and this will be provided for the courts.
Completion: After you have completed the requirements of the program and have paid all fees, you will be provided with a certificate of completion.
Expectation
Individuals are accountable for fulfilling all requirements of the MID Program. Neglecting to do so will prompt a notification to be forwarded to the referring court, potentially leading to suspension or termination of participation. It is imperative individuals maintain communication with the program throughout enrollment and have obtained an official letter of completion.
Total cost of program: $1342.56
Financial Obligation
Participants are responsible for the fees and costs associated with the Massachusetts Impaired Driving Program. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Part I, Title XIV, Chapter 90, Section 24D, no person may be excluded from said program for inability to pay the stated fee, provided that such person:
- Files an affidavit of indigency or inability to pay with the court within ten days of the date of disposition.
- That investigation by the probation officer confirms such indigency.
- Or establishes that the payment of such fee would cause a substantial financial hardship to the individual, the individual's immediate family or the individual's dependents, and that the court enters a written finding thereof.
If you are found to be indigent, the court may issue a full or partial waiver for the cost of the program. You must obtain a signed court issued waiver form to the provider at the time of intake.
For more information see Eligibility requirements for indigency (waiver of fees)
FIND A DPH BSAS APPROVED PROVIDER TO ENROLL IN MID:
Licensed and Court- Approved Massachusetts Impaired Driving Program (MID) Provider Directory
For more information see the Registry of Motor Vehicles' policies related to alcohol or drug suspensions/revocations for customers over the age of 21.
Youth Alcohol Program (YAP)
Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Part I, Title XIV, Chapter 90, Section 24P, those who have not been previously arrested or charged may be directed to complete the Massachusetts Impaired Driving Program, with their consent, regardless of court outcomes. Participants aged 18 to 21 can have their license suspension waived upon program completion, except for those under 18 at the time of the violation, who still face a 180-day suspension.
The Youth Alcohol Program (YAP) is mandated by Massachusetts law (Chapter 90 Section 24P) for underage drivers who fail or refuse a breathalyzer test, resulting in a suspension or revocation of their learner's permit, license, or right to operate. Completion of the YAP is required in such cases. Failure to complete the program results in a 180-day suspension for individuals under 21, or one year if under 18 at the time of the violation. Additionally, individuals under 18 convicted of specified violations face a 180-day suspension for a first offense and a one-year suspension for subsequent offenses if their license was not previously suspended.
If you have been mandated to complete a Youth Alcohol Program, please see above, The Massachusetts Impaired Driving Program for an overview of the program. Utilize the Massachusetts Impaired Driving Program Directory to find a provider relative to your home.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Addiction Services
Licensed and Court- Approved Massachusetts Impaired Driving Program (MID) Provider Directory (Link to MID Directory- which will be a separate page)
Note: An underage operator with a 24D disposition whose blood alcohol concentration level at the time of violation was not less than 0.02% is required to do a 2-week in-house program in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 24D.
For more information see the Registry of Motor Vehicles' policies related to alcohol or drug suspensions/revocations for customers under the age of 21.
Second Offender 14-Day Residential Program
Designated as the initial phase within a comprehensive three-phase treatment model, the Second Offender Residential Program offers a 14-day inpatient intervention tailored for individuals convicted of their second driving-under-the-influence offense. Services provided encompass medical assessment, both individual and group therapy sessions, educational modules featuring self-help initiation, recreational activities, and assurance of enrollment in an approved Second Offender Aftercare Program.
Eligibility is extended to individuals convicted of drunk driving for a second offence, offering an alternative to a 30-day incarceration period. Referrals to the program are facilitated by the adjudicating District Court.
The Middlesex Driving Under the Influence of Liquor (DUIL) Program
The Middlesex DUIL Program is a 14-day residential program designed for 2nd DUI offenders. The program offers comprehensive Substance Use education and treatment, as well as aftercare preparation. Entry into the program is typically through direct referrals from trial courts across the state. Additionally, the program extends its services to 18-21-year-old first offenders under “Melanie’s Law”, as well as those who refer themselves.
The program is structured around evidence-based treatment practices, aiming to empower participants through didactic and motivational sessions. The goal is to support them in undertaking honest self-assessment of their relationship with alcohol, crafting personalized goals focused on abstinence or harm reduction, and recognizing the impact of their actions on public safety.
Participants engage in counseling sessions, participate in small group activities, and follow a structured classroom curriculum. Classes cover various topics such as Melanie’s Law, Relapse Prevention, Addictive Personality, Stress Management, and OUI prevention. Throughout their stay, guest speakers share insights on these subjects. Participants are provided a plan for aftercare to continue receiving support following discharge. After completing the in-patient phase of the 2nd offender program, you will be required to sign a Second Offender Aftercare Contract.
TO MAKE A REFERRAL OR CONTACT:
Name: Julian Abraham
Role: Program Director
Phone: (978) 863-0048
Email: DUIL@MHSAinc.og
Learn more: Middlesex DUIL Program
Second Offender Aftercare (SOA)
Second Offender Aftercare (SOA) programs are for individuals referred for a second or subsequent driving under the influence offense, offering tailored clinical support to meet their specific needs. Each patient enrolled in the SOA program undergoes an individual clinical assessment, shaping their individualized treatment plan. Counseling and treatment strategies are geared towards highlighting the repercussions of driving under the influence, alongside addressing other personal treatment objectives.
The referring court receives regular updates on the patient's progress, including a comprehensive evaluation of their adherence to the service plan thirty days prior to completing one year of outpatient treatment. Alcohol and drug screenings are conducted randomly as part of the treatment regimen, ensuring accountability and compliance. All services are delivered with careful consideration of the individual's assessed needs and requirements. This program is insurance-based.
FIND A DPH BSAS APPROVED PROVIDER TO ENROLL IN SOA:
24Q Assessment
Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Part I, Title XIV, Chapter 90, Section 24Q,[TS(1] mandates that individuals convicted of certain alcohol-related offenses or assigned to alcohol or substance abuse programs must undergo a comprehensive assessment conducted by the Department of Public Health or a court-approved program. This assessment evaluates the offender's addiction level and recommends a treatment plan, which must be reported to their probation or parole officer.
In such cases, a 24Q Assessment is a comprehensive substance abuse evaluation completed by a licensed clinician as a requirement by the courts to provide a more thorough assessment of direct evidence that supports the presence or absence of a substance use disorder. This assessment is completed by a Department of Public Health or court approved provider. A substance abuse evaluation may be used to determine the extent or level of an individual’s addiction, co-occurring conditions, including physical or mental health concerns, as well as polydrug use, and/or to assess the impact of substance use on an individual’s life. Importantly, a substance abuse evaluation can help the treatment team to create an individualized plan to address a client’s needs and recovery.
FIND A DPH BSAS APPROVED PROVIDER:
Interpreter Services
If you are a BSAS contracted provider and your client needs interpreter services for that contracted service, you can request an interpreter from the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS).
Registry of Motor Vehicles
BSAS PROVIDER RESOURCES
- DPH BSAS Massachusetts Impaired Driving Program (MID) Provider Directory
- DPH BSAS Second Offender Aftercare (SOA) Provider Directory
- Bureau of Substance Addiction Services
- Forms, Resources, & Regulations related to BSAS licensed Alcohol & Drug treatment programs
- Become a Massachusetts Impaired Driving Program Provider