Re: VASAP class
Posted by:
payitforward
()
Date: October 08, 2012 11:23PM
I appreciated the honest accounts on the internet and feel like it's my time to pay it forward. I too have put this experience behind me, albeit recently (half a year ago) and will speak from experience with a DUI. First, like Sick2mystomach, I was worried and looking all over the internet for any bit of information. It is comforting to hear others' experiences, thus why I'll share mine. I was one of the dumb ones who blew high enough to trigger the second level of misery, which contains many uncomfortable experiences, but since this thread primarily concerns VASAP and similar issues, I will stick to that and try to be as useful and brief as possible.
First, a law was passed that started in July, and if you get convicted of DUI, you'll have to get an interlock. The spirit behind the device is understandable, but you'll find that these are not designed very well. First, do your homework on the companies. They use different devices. If you don't drive your car a long way to work (more than 20 minutes total a day), the device *will* drain your battery. This is of course worse in the winter. There are some devices that apparently can have the head removed so that it is less battery draining. I didn't have that. If you must, you should purchase a trickle charger. I never had to deal with a disconnect, but I often would drive the car in circles around the block in order to prevent the drain. You will also have to make some hum noise as you blow to make it work. Trust me, you'll be so paranoid, and it's so loud, that you won't miss it. What might happen though is that you get bent out of shape trying to blow properly in the middle of traffic, and you may have to re-do it a few times. As long as you eventually get it right without turning off the car and leaving it, you won't log a refusal. So please remember, if it asks, you have to blow. I never blew a false positive nor an offense. Don't use mouthwash or nyquil. I was so paranoid I used Tom's natural toothpaste. Just deal, and you'll dance a jig the day you get it de-installed.
There is also a lot of confusion about breathalyzer and urine testing. As you have probably ascertained by simply reading this thread, it all depends upon your VASAP office. I know this firsthand, because I was a transfer but went to my original (where the offense took place) office to first get things sorted out. They did not, I repeat, did not make me sign an abstinence pledge. Because I had read on the internet that I might have to, I specifically asked about this, and they said they didn't do that. I wound up transfering to a place that did make you sign an abstinence pledge, regardless of what level you were placed in, even though the intro video (which was produced in 2006) said this would only affect treatment patients. I indeed *was* called in for two urine test over the course of the VASAP year as were others in my class with whom I remained in contact. It was indeed an Etg test administered by Redwood Toxicology labs. My one urine test was during my 10 week class, and the other was right before my mid-term meeting - so yes, the timing can be predictable. Furthermore, my office would send out a letter to notify participants of tests. There was not a quick 24 hour turnaround or anything like that. For the first test, I got a Monday letter for a Thursday test. In the other instance, I was given over a week's notice. I passed both. I should add that I was not in treatment. This was standard (albeit 2nd level) VASAP. We were breathalyzed in about half of our classes. By the by, once you get your license back (the VASAP release), you are done with them. So even if you have a 2-3 year probation, VASAP (if done properly) should only last a year. I also should mention that I don't advocate drinking during the program, but for those who are curious, it's absolute hogwash about the etg test going back 5 days. The amount of etg your body creates is dose dependent, so you aren't going to eat Bananas Foster on Friday and get a positive on Monday. I will say no more on this other than to direct interested parties to go google threads by DrBill100 on AskMehelpdesk. He provides LOADS of information, and he is extraordinarily knowledgeable (an academic it appears) and honest about the ins and outs of this test.
Finally, I will reiterate that it is anxiety-easing to hear others' experiences. I recommend reading "Life After a DUI" by Mappingirl (it's on wordpress - google it). It was written by a 30-something woman dealing with her DUI in VA. You'll notice that her experience was different too - again, it all depends upon your office and likely your counselor. I also recommend making small talk with your classmates. Many of them are willing to share their experiences, and you will have a better idea of what's in store for you. Many of my classmates knew folks who had been through the experience recently in my particular office, and their stories were helpful. There's a lot of baloney out there on the internet, so the best info you get is from those currently affected.