A different step from education or treatment
Early intervention helps a person examine substance-related risk and consider changes before, or apart from, a full treatment episode. It is not interchangeable with risk education. Ask the provider to explain the purpose of each recommended service.
Moderate-risk recommendations
For a moderate-risk DUI recommendation, the Illinois minimum includes 10 hours of risk education and 12 hours of early intervention. The early-intervention schedule spans at least four weeks and no more than three hours per day. Additional recommendations may apply.
Prepare for a useful start
Bring your evaluation and questions about the goals of the program. Discuss the time commitment and how progress and completion are documented.
- Which recommendation in my report does this service address?
- What dates and attendance expectations apply?
- Are individual, group, or online formats available and appropriate?
- What information will be shared with my referring authority?
- What follow-up or continuing-care activities are recommended?
Plan the follow-through
Keep the completion record and any follow-up instructions together. Discuss new concerns with the provider rather than assuming that the minimum hours resolve every recommendation.