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Washington DUI programs · ADIS

Washington ADIS Class (Alcohol and Drug Information School): Hours, Online Rules, and Providers

ADIS is Washington's minimum 8-hour alcohol and drug education course, taught by a Department of Health-certified agency. You take it when your assessment finds you do not need treatment. The two things that decide whether your certificate counts are the agency's Washington certification and your court's acceptance of the format.

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Quick answer: hours, who takes it, and online

At least 8 hours, usually one day, from a Washington-certified agency. It comes after a required alcohol/drug assessment that finds no substance use disorder. If the assessment finds one, you go to treatment instead. Washington's rule does not spell out classroom-only or online delivery. It does require Washington certification, so an out-of-state "online ADIS" usually won't count. Confirm the format with your court before paying.

Where ADIS fits in a Washington DUI case

StepWhat happensWho or when
1. Assessment A diagnostic evaluation and treatment recommendation, sent to the court and the Department of Licensing A substance use disorder treatment program licensed or certified by the Department of Health, or a qualified probation department
2a. ADIS At least 8 hours of education, a post-test, and a certificate of completion Only if the assessment finds no substance use disorder
2b. Treatment More intensive treatment instead of ADIS Only if the assessment finds a substance use disorder
3. Report to DOL Your certified counselor submits the report electronically, and DOL updates your record The certified agency

Under RCW 46.61.5056, the court decides which of the two applies, based on the diagnostic evaluation, and notifies the Department of Licensing when it orders a course or treatment. Anyone punishable under Washington's DUI sentencing statute (RCW 46.61.5055) is subject to these assessment and treatment provisions.

Adults participating in a licensed education and counseling program
Program schedules may combine education, group counseling, and individual interviews.

What the 8 hours must cover

WAC 246-341-0746 is Washington's service standard for alcohol and drug information schools. It requires each course to include:

Instructors must be a substance use disorder professional, a trainee, or someone with documented training in those topics. The rule also says each student must be told that nobody assumes they have a substance use disorder and that the course is not a therapy session.

On "ADIS class online, Washington State": the question to ask is whether the agency is Washington-certified, not whether it is online. RCW 46.61.5056 requires an alcohol and drug information school licensed or certified by the Washington Department of Health, and DOL asks for a one-day class from a Washington state certified agency. Some certified agencies may offer a live virtual class. A national website selling a generic "ADIS certificate" is a different thing. Get your court's acceptance of the format in writing (or from your attorney or probation officer) before you pay.

Cost

Washington does not set a statewide ADIS price. Each certified agency charges its own fee, and the assessment and any treatment are billed separately. Ask for the full cost, including the certificate, when you call.

Finding a certified agency

The Department of Licensing directs people to the Washington Recovery Help Line to locate a certified agency. You can call or text 866-789-1511. The Department of Health certifies the behavioral health agencies that provide these services.

Source & accuracy: the court's choice between ADIS and treatment comes from RCW 46.61.5056. The minimum 8 hours, course topics, post-test, certificate and instructor qualifications come from WAC 246-341-0746. The assessment requirement, the "one-day class" description, electronic reporting and the Recovery Help Line referral are from the Washington Department of Licensing's DUI page. Washington does not publish a statewide ADIS fee. Rules change, and the court decides what it will accept, so confirm the provider, format and deadline with the court handling your case before you enroll or pay. We are an independent directory. We do not run classes, we cannot enroll you, and none of these links are affiliate links. This is general information, not legal advice. Sources: RCW 46.61.5056, RCW 46.61.5055, WAC 246-341-0746, dol.wa.gov — DUI, doh.wa.gov — behavioral health agencies, Washington Recovery Help Line.

Frequently asked questions

What is ADIS in Washington State?

ADIS stands for Alcohol and Drug Information School. It is an educational course about substance use for people referred by a court who have been assessed and found not to need treatment. Under RCW 46.61.5056, a person convicted of DUI in Washington is ordered by the court either to complete an ADIS course from a school licensed or certified by the Department of Health, or to complete more intensive treatment, based on a diagnostic evaluation.

How long is the ADIS class?

Washington’s rule for certified agencies, WAC 246-341-0746, requires the curriculum to provide no less than eight hours of instruction for each course. The Department of Licensing describes it as a one-day class. The course ends with a post-test and a certificate of completion.

Can I take an ADIS class online in Washington State?

The state rule sets the content, the minimum hours, and the post-test, but it does not itself say whether ADIS must be taught in a classroom. What is fixed is who can teach it: RCW 46.61.5056 requires a school licensed or certified by the Washington Department of Health. A course from a company that is not a Washington-certified agency does not meet that requirement, no matter how it is marketed. Ask the certified agency whether it offers a live virtual class, and confirm with your court that it will accept that format for your case before you pay.

Do I need an assessment before ADIS?

Yes. The Department of Licensing requires an Alcohol/Drug Assessment/Treatment Report from a Washington State certified agency after an alcohol- or drug-related conviction. If the assessment finds no substance use concerns, you take the one-day class (ADIS). If it finds a substance use disorder, you are directed into treatment instead. The certified agency must keep a copy of the assessment showing no substance use disorder in your ADIS record.

How much does ADIS cost in Washington?

Washington does not publish a statewide price for ADIS. Each certified agency sets its own fee, so ask for the total cost (including the certificate) when you call. Assessment and treatment fees are separate.

How do I find a certified ADIS provider?

The Department of Licensing directs people to the Washington Recovery Help Line to locate a certified agency. You can call or text 866-789-1511. Confirm the agency is Washington-certified for alcohol and drug information school services before you enroll.

Written by Michelle Brown, Editor · Last reviewed · Checked against public court, DMV, and government sources. See our editorial standards.