Let’s dive into the process of handling a DWI in North Carolina for out-of-state residents and how Breathe a Center for Wellness can assist:
1.      Obtaining a DWI Assessment in Your State
o    Complete a DWI assessment, which can help reduce the severity of punishment and potentially avoid jail time.
2.      DWI Classes or Treatment:
o    Based on the assessment, you may need to attend DWI classes or undergo treatment.
3.      Satisfying the Sentence & Regaining Your License:
o    After completing the required steps, including treatment, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion (E-508 form).
o    This form is submitted to the North Carolina DMV to lift the hold on your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR).
o    The state typically takes 5-10 business days to approve E-508 forms1.
Breathe a Center for Wellness can guide you through each step, ensuring a smoother process. If you have further questions, feel free to call them at (704) 782-3050 or book an appointment. Remember to inhale and exhale – they’re here to support you! 

​DWI Laws in North Carolina
North Carolina takes DWI seriously, and the penalties can be severe. Here are some key points:
1.      Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits:
o    For drivers aged 21 or older, the legal BAC limit is 0.08% or higher.
o    Commercial drivers face a stricter limit of 0.04% or higher12.
2.      Penalties for First-Time Offenders:
o    Minimum jail time: 24 hours (for level 5 offenders).
o    Fines: $200 (for level 5 offenders).
o    Additional penalties may apply based on aggravating factors1.
3.      Breathe Wellness Center:
o    If you’re dealing with a DWI, consider seeking support from Breathe Wellness Center in Kannapolis, NC.
o    Breathe offers DWI assessments, treatment, and counseling services.
o    They emphasize hope, providing 24/7 online scheduling and telehealth options.
o    Their compassionate approach helps individuals navigate the challenges associated with DWI3.
Additional Resources
For more information, visit Breathe Wellness Center’s website: Breathe Wellness Center.
Remember, it’s crucial to prioritize safety, especially during the summer when social gatherings and celebrations increase. If you or someone you know faces DWI charges, seek professional guidance and explore resources like Breathe Wellness Center to support your journey toward recovery and responsible driving. 

​ I received a DWI.  What do I need to do in to get my license back?

You must obtain a certificate of completion.  A certificate of completion can be obtained by: Completing a substance abuse assessment at an authorized NC DWI Services provider, and completing the recommended level of treatment or education (ADETS) at an authorized NC DWI Services provider.

I need an assessment for my DWI charge, where do I go to do this?

You must complete your assessment at an authorized DWI Services Provider. You will have the option to do this via Telehealth or come to the office.

What do I need to bring to the DWI assessment?
1.      Documentation of Blood Alcohol Content
2.      Citation
3.      Picture ID

How much will my DWI assessment cost?

$100

What requirements would I have to meet to be eligible to be referred to Alcohol and Drug Education Traffic School (ADETS) instead of treatment?

• You have no previous DWI offense conviction in your lifetime, and, you did not refuse to submit a chemical test, and your BAC was 0.14% or less at the time of your arrest, and
• Your assessment does not identify a substance abuse handicap (i.e. a substance use disorder, mild, moderate or severe).

How much does ADETS (education program) cost?
Cost: $160

If I don’t qualify for ADETS (education), what are the other levels of treatment that I could be recommended to complete? 

• Short Term Outpatient Treatment - (Minimum of 20 contact hours over a minimum of 30 days)
 • Longer Term Outpatient Treatment - (Minimum 40 contact hours over a minimum of 60 days) 
• Day Treatment/Intensive Outpatient Treatment - (Minimum 90 hours over a minimum of 90 days) 
• Inpatient/Residential Treatment - (Minimum 90 days) 
​
I’m still confused, what can I do? Breathe. Call us today and we will answer any questions you have, 704-782-3050.

The 508 form is the electronic form that is sent to the North Carolina DMV to show when an assessment and recommended education or treatment has been completed.  This form will include your arrest date, demographic information, your breathalyzer results and/or blood test results, and the level of recommended education or treatment that was made by your provider.

When your treatment is completed it is important you contact your provider with your conviction date if you had your assessment prior to your conviction. Your 508 can not be entered without your conviction date. When the assessment and treatment have been approved, the hold on your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) will be lifted. The state asks for 5- 10 business days to approve all E-508 forms.  

Have additional questions? Call us today at 704-782-3050 or book an appointment now.  Inhale. Exhale. We know it's a lot of information. That's why we are called Breathe. We are here to help you with every step of this process. 

 On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me: The gift of sobriety!
The holidays can be tough and full of triggers. You may be wondering how you can stay sober during this time. Below are some tips to consider.

1. Practice Self-Care-Don’t overextend yourself during the holiday season. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Maybe catch a movie with a friend, take a bath with your favorite bubble bath, call an old friend, write in your journal, and/or read a book.
   
2. Pay it Forward-Research shows helping others improves your mood. Possibly volunteer at a local shelter.
3. Plan ahead-for work parties or family functions-Show up early, and leave early. Drive your own vehicle or with a supportive friend. This way when you want to leave, you can leave.
4. Get support-Let someone know that you may need additional support during this time of year. Also, sharing what is helpful to support you. Do you need a phone call? Someone to stop by? A text? Let them know what helps you the most.
5. Avoid people pleasing-Being aware every time you say “yes” to someone, you are saying no to something else. Potentially the self-care time you wanted to take.
6. Think of all the money you are saving-Use some of that money to put away on saving for a gift you’ve wanted for yourself or maybe an upcoming vacation.
7. Ahhhhmazing-Think of how amazing it will feel to wake up sober on Christmas Morning or New Years Day.
8. No scary surprises! You won’t find yourself scrolling through your phone the following day, being upset at yourself for a text or a phone call you made.
9. Grab that dessert you wanted! Do you know how many calories you are saving by not drinking? Eat the cake!
10. Plan an extra holiday!- If you anticipate the holidays being stressful with various family members plan a few extra days for yourself. Maybe start new traditions with sober friends. Maybe a game night after the holidays.

Visiting North Carolina and received a DWI? We have over 17 years of experience working with out-of-state DWI cases. We are fully licensed by NC DWI Services. We are willing to assist you with your needs in a professional, confidential, and timely manner. Here's what you need to know:

DWI: Living Outside of North Carolina
If you live outside of North Carolina and:

1. Have been convicted of a DWI (Driving While Impaired) in North Carolina
2. Have been convicted of driving while less than 21 years old after consuming alcohol or other drugs in North Carolina

You must complete a substance use assessment and recommended education or treatment to get your license back.

• If you complete a substance use assessment and the required substance abuse education or treatment outside of North Carolina, you must choose a North Carolina DWI services provider to review and approve it.
• It is best to contact a North Carolina provider before you begin your services.

The authorized North Carolina DWI provider will:

• Complete the review
• Process the information
• Complete a Certificate of Completion (e-508 form) to resolve the outstanding DWI offense on your North Carolina record

You should receive a copy of the Certificate of Completion from the provider to keep for your records. Call us today, 704-782-3050.
​
Helpful links

http://www.nchhs.gov/mhddsas/services/dwi

​
​The holidays are notoriously difficult for people who are still grieving the loss of a loved one. It doesn’t even have to be a recent loss-- this time of year is highly advertised as a time to spend with those you are closest to. Seeing that reminder in every print advertisement, on the television, in the displays of every storefront, and even in the songs on the radio constantly reminds a person of the one they lost. The grieving process never really stops, it only gets easier to deal with as the years go by. Feelings of isolation, guilt, anger, and depression can persist for quite some time.
 
Live the Hygge Life
 
You know that feeling when you are bundled up in comfortable clothes and wrapped in a warm blanket; you are sitting by the fireside or you have your favorite candles burning; you’re grasping a mug of warm tea and in that moment you are just… comfy? In Scandinavia, there is a word for that feeling-- hygge.
 
If you are having a rough moment, day, or even week, take some time to create a hygge environment in your life. Bundle up under the covers with a cup of hot cocoa and your favorite movies. Or go to a cozy cafe take in a good book you’ve been wanting to read. Finding hygge is about taking care of yourself, which is something grieving people often neglect to do.
 
Get Moving
 
We all need to exercise in one way or another. Exercise supports humans physically, mentally, and even emotionally. Modern humans generally live a very sedentary lifestyle which is unnatural for us. Taking time to be physically active helps regulate our body’s chemistry including cortisol and endorphins levels. It doesn’t have to be much-- just 30 minutes of light exercise a day. That can be as easy walking your dog, riding your bike around the neighborhood, or even doing a bit of gentle yoga for grief in your living room. This exercise is about taking care of yourself and your body rather than burning calories and building muscle.
 
Embrace the Season
 
If everything around you has to be so jolly-as-advertised, you might as well play into the spirit and take advantage of some holiday fun. Avoiding your feelings isn’t healthy, but the occasional distraction can make it easier to get through the season. Pick your favorite activities that are what you love about winter:
 
-       Go see a special screening of a holiday movie at the local theater.
-       Attend a bonfire or cozy up by your own hearth at home.
-       Spend time playing with your dog outside in the snow. Or just cozy up with your pet indoors.
-       Tour your city’s best holiday lights and decorations.
-       Listen to your favorite holiday music while you do things around the house.
-       Go sledding or ice skating.
-       Throw an “ugly sweater party” where people get to wear their tackiest holiday attire.
-       Bake your favorite holiday treats.
-       Volunteer with a local charity that needs extra hands during the holidays.
 
 
***
 
The holidays are a difficult time for people that are grieving. We are constantly reminded that this time of year is to be spend with the ones we love, which can be a harsh reminder that one of your loved ones is gone. To help get through the season, embrace coziness with the Scandinavian concept of hygge. Don’t forget to take time for yourself to exercise. It only takes 30 minutes of light activity a day to help boost your mood. Finally, take advantage of all the season has to offer. You shouldn’t repress your emotions, but a fun distraction every now and then is fine.