Frequently Asked Questions

All assessments, individual therapy, and group classes are conducted through secure, HIPAA-compliant Zoom video calls. You can complete all of your required hours from the comfort and privacy of your home using a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a webcam and internet connection.

No. Because we offer state-approved telehealth services, we work with clients located anywhere in the state of North Carolina, as well as out-of-state residents resolving North Carolina legal holds.

You can schedule online through our website or by calling/texting our office at 704-782-3050. We often have appointment availability within the same week you contact us.

A DWI assessment is a state-mandated clinical evaluation required by North Carolina law for anyone charged with or convicted of Driving While Impaired. The assessment evaluates your substance use history to determine the appropriate level of education or treatment required to restore your driving privileges.

An assessment takes approximately one hour, although some assessments may take longer.

To meet North Carolina state regulations, you must provide three items for your assessment:

1. A copy of your official lifetime driving record from the DMV.

2. Proof of your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) reading or breathalyzer/blood test result from your citation or court records.

3. A copy of your official ticket or citation.

Completing your assessment early offers critical legal and driving advantages:

• It is mandatory if you wish to apply for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP) 10 days into your 30-day civil revocation period.

• Completing an assessment before your trial demonstrates proactive responsibility to the court, which can help mitigate penalties or avoid active jail time.

• It gives you immediate clarity on your required class hours and costs so you can plan ahead.

ADETS stands for Alcohol and Drug Education Traffic School. It is a state-mandated 16-hour educational course designed for individuals who have received a DWI but do not meet the clinical criteria for a substance use disorder.

Under North Carolina law, you are eligible for ADETS only if you meet all of the following conditions during your assessment:

• Your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) was 0.14 or lower.

• You did not refuse the breathalyzer or blood test.

• You have no prior DWI convictions on your driving record.

• You do not show clinical indicators of a Substance Use Disorder.

The state-regulated fee for ADETS is $160.00, plus a $25.00 fee for the mandatory Prime for Life workbook ($185.00 total). This fee includes your final electronic 508 state filing upon completion.

Prime for Life is the evidence-based curriculum used in ADETS. Breathe offers this 16-hour program for $325.00 (includes book fee) for CDL drivers, employees with workplace drug screens, individuals with non-DWI court mandates, or family members seeking substance education.

If your assessment indicates a higher level of care (due to a BAC of 0.15+, a test refusal, prior charges, or clinical diagnosis), North Carolina requires placement in an outpatient treatment program rather than ADETS.

• Short-Term Outpatient Treatment: Requires 20 to 39 hours of group therapy. Per state regulations, this must take at least 30 days but no more than 45 days to complete.

• Longer-Term Outpatient Treatment: Requires 40 to 89 hours of group therapy. Per state regulations, this must take at least 60 days but no more than 90 days to complete.

Breathe holds telehealth outpatient treatment groups on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. You can enroll and start class on any Tuesday or Thursday evening following your assessment.

Outpatient treatment is billed at $25.00 per hour. We offer flexible payment plans so you can pay as you progress through your mandated hours.

Because North Carolina reports holds to the National Driver Register, an unresolved NC DWI will block you from renewing or obtaining a license in your home state. If you live outside of North Carolina, you must complete your assessment and any required treatment with an appropriately licensed DWI/DUI provider in the state where you currently reside.

Breathe specializes in resolving your out-of-state NC charges by handling the required state coordination:

• We obtain your North Carolina driving record.

• We review your out-of-state assessment and treatment documentation to ensure it meets North Carolina’s requirements.

• We handle the necessary North Carolina processing and electronically submit the required 508 release form to clear your record.

Form 508 (e508) is the official Certificate of Completion submitted to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The state requires this electronic document before they will restore your driving privileges following a DWI charge.

Yes. Once you have completed your assessment, satisfied your required class or treatment hours, and paid your program balance in full, we electronically file your 508 directly into the state database. You do not need to deliver physical paperwork to the DMV yourself.

This evaluation is for individuals facing non-DWI legal issues—such as drug possession charges, underage alcohol possession, probation requirements, or family court mandates. The assessment evaluates your history and provides official clinical recommendations for your attorney, judge, or probation officer.

Yes. With your written consent, we can send your clinical evaluation directly to your legal team, probation officer, or case manager to verify your compliance.

For individual mental health and addiction counseling, Breathe is currently in-network with:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Carolina Behavioral Health

• Aetna

Please note: We do not accept Medicaid or Medicare at this time.

No, we do not accept health insurance for DWI assessments, ADETS, or DWI outpatient classes. These must be paid out-of-pocket, though payment plans are available for treatment hours.