TEXAS DRUG OFFENDER EDUCATION PROGRAM

Section 521.371-521.377, Texas Transportation Code (formerly Article 6687b, Section 24B, Texas Civil Statutes) states that persons convicted of misdemeanor or felony drug offenses will automatically have their licenses suspended for a period of six months.

In order to have their license reinstated, they must attend and successfully complete an education program on the dangers of drug abuse approved by TCADA. Failure to complete the program will result in the license being revoked indefinitely until the education program is completed.

The standardized program is 15 hours in length and is designed to increase the knowledge of drug offenders by educating them on the:

ü      dangers of drug abuse and associated illegal activities,

ü      to identify their own individual drug-use patterns,

ü      to assist them in developing a personal action plan which will reduce the probability of suffering the consequences of future drug using and illegal behavior.

      Specific course topics include

·         History of drug abuse,

·         Drug/DWI laws,

·         Dynamics of drug use,

·         Drugs of abuse,

·         How drugs work,

·         Cost of use and abuse,

·         Health issues, HIV, other STD’s

·         Interpersonal relationships,

·         Deglamorizing  drugs use,

·         Values, attitudes and behaviors,

·         Past and desired behaviors,

·         Getting control of your life,

·         Resource options, and

·         Personal action planning. 

 OVERVIEW AND INTRODUCTION

This module provides an overview of the course, an opportunity to share feel­ings about

having to attend the course,  current drug laws, the extent of the drug problem in the United

States and Texas, and a brief history of drug use.

DYNAMICS OF DRUG USE

This module provides an overview of the central nervous system, information about specific categories of drugs and  how drugs work in the body.

 PERSONAL CONSEQUENCES OF DRUG USE/ABUSE

This module examines the effects of drug involvement on individuals and society and the related financial costs, health risks and personal costs in relationships. 

 DRUG USE AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE

This module examines the myth that drug use is glamor­ous.  The part drugs play in changing values and behavior and in harming ourselves and others will be explored.

 SKILLS FOR LIFESTYLE CHANGES

This module will cover suggestions for getting control of our lives, resources for assistance in obtaining our goals, and the development of a personal plan of action to accomplish these goals.