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Our Alcohol Assessment and Treatment (AAT) counselling services for the Alcohol Interlock Scheme are for people in Perth and WA’s Wheatbelt who have committed drink-driving offences and have an alcohol interlock device installed on their vehicle.

About the scheme and our counselling support

The alcohol interlock program, also known as the Alcohol Interlock Scheme, aims to reduce the road safety risks posed by drink drivers by fitting alcohol interlock devices to the vehicles of people who have committed drink-driving offences. These electronic breath-analysis devices prevent a vehicle from being started if it detects alcohol equal to or greater than the pre-set 0.02% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit in the driver’s breath sample.

Alcohol assessment and treatment

Over six Alcohol Assessment and Treatment (AAT) counselling sessions, we provide personalised support that helps interlock-restricted drivers to:

  • examine the choices that led them to drive under the influence of alcohol
  • understand the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol
  • assess their current use of alcohol and how it affects their life
  • develop strategies for the safe use of alcohol
  • understand, manage and mitigate the risk of relapse (relapse prevention planning)
  • complete the program and have the interlock device removed from their vehicle
  • make healthier choices, separate drinking and driving, and stay safe.

Our program isn’t about lecturing participants. We focus on creating a safe, non-judgemental space where participants can openly discuss the issues and challenges that led them to drive while intoxicated and empower themselves to make better choices in the future, ultimately meeting the interlock condition to regain full driving privileges.

How it works

If a driver breaches their compliance obligations, they’ll be notified that they must complete the AAT program and asked to contact the Booking Service on 1800 722 363.

Once our team receives the referral, the individual will be placed on the waitlist. One of our counsellors will contact them (usually within the next 5 business days) to book their first appointment.

Participants are required to complete 6 individual sessions. These sessions cannot be less than 7 days apart and there cannot be a break of 90 days or more between sessions, otherwise the participant will be required to start the ATT program again. The minimum period for mandatory participation ensures that high-risk drink-driving offenders comply with the interlock program before certain privileges, such as license reinstatement, can be granted.

Our Alcohol Interlock Scheme ATT program is contracted by the Mental Health Commission and is facilitated by our teams in Victoria Park, Midland and across the Wheatbelt.

Frequently asked questions

An alcohol assessment in WA is a process used to evaluate an individual’s alcohol consumption, its impact on their life, and their potential need for treatment or intervention. This assessment can be part of various contexts, including legal proceedings, court orders, or personal health evaluations. The goal is to understand the extent of alcohol use, identify any related issues (such as dependence or abuse), and recommend appropriate interventions or support. It also assesses the individual’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, especially if they are part of an alcohol interlock program.

During an alcohol assessment in WA, the following typically occurs:

Interview: A qualified professional, such as a psychologist, counsellor, or addiction specialist, will conduct an interview to gather detailed information about your drinking habits, history, and any related problems. This is particularly important for an interlock restricted driver.

Questionnaires: You may be asked to fill out standardised questionnaires or surveys that assess your drinking patterns, the impact of alcohol on your life, and any symptoms of dependence or abuse.

Screening Tools: Various screening tools might be used to evaluate the severity of alcohol use and its consequences.

Feedback: The assessor will provide feedback based on the information gathered, which may include recommendations for treatment, counselling, or other forms of support.

In WA, an interlock program is typically ordered as part of a penalty for individuals convicted of certain driving offences involving alcohol.

This often includes:

High-range or repeat drink driving offences: If someone is convicted of a serious drink driving offence or has multiple offences, the court may require them to install an approved alcohol interlock.

Court Orders: In some cases, a court might specifically order the interlock program as part of a broader penalty or rehabilitation strategy.

The duration of the interlock program depends on the specifics of the offence and the individual’s compliance with the program. The exact duration will be set by the court or the relevant authorities based on the circumstances of your case and your compliance with the program’s requirements. Typically, you will need to use an approved alcohol interlock device for the duration specified.

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