Awareness Program

The Awareness Program, founded by Howard and Marilyn Bibby, has provided the greater Coachella Valley with drug and alcohol education and rehabilitation services since 1974. The Awareness Group established the first DUI Classes in Riverside County.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Learn about all of the programs and services we offer.

See below for information on the programs and services we offer. If you have additional questions, please call the office at (760) 342-1233. We are here to help! Contact us today to get enrolled in your court or DMV required DUI or Drug Diversion program.

DUI (Driving Under the Influence)

LIVE VIRTUAL SERVICES AVAILABLE

Live Virtual Services (ZOOM Classes) AVAILABLE.
Visit www.theawarenessgroup.org/covid19 to learn more.

SB1176 (12 Hour / Wet Reckless Program)

Individuals convicted of a “wet reckless” offense must complete the SB1176 six-week alcohol education program consisting of:

• 30 minutes – Intake and AOD Assessment
  • 12 hours – Education (6 classes at two hours each)
  • 30 minutes – Exit Interview
  • 3 Self-Help Meetings

Allowed absences: 2

The SB1176 program includes lectures, videos, and educational materials covering the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the individual, family, and society. A wet reckless offense is not considered a DUI but may be required by the court, DMV, or both.

Enrollment: $87
Fee per class: $31
Total cost of program: $273

AB541 (30 Hour Program)

Individuals convicted of a first DUI offense must complete the AB541 program consisting of:

• 18 hours – Group Counseling (9 weeks of 2-hour sessions)
  • 12 hours – Education (6 weeks of 2-hour sessions)
  • 3 Individual interviews (minimum 15 minutes each)
  • 8 Self-Help Meetings (AA, NA, Al-Anon)

Allowed absences: 5

The AB541 program is typically required for first-time DUI offenders with a BAC below 0.20%.

Please note: The California DMV does not accept out-of-state or online-only programs. Completion must occur in California at an approved program. The Awareness Group is licensed by the State of California and approved by Riverside County.

Enrollment: $68
Fee per class: $31
Total cost of program: $595

AB762 (6 Month Program)

Individuals ordered to attend an AB762 program must complete:

• 32 hours – Group Counseling (16 two-hour sessions)
  • 12 hours – Education (6 two-hour sessions)
  • 4 Individual interviews (minimum 15 minutes each)
  • 12 Self-Help Meetings

The AB762 program is not common in Riverside County but is available for individuals ordered by other counties.

Enrollment must be completed in person. Online participation is not allowed for California residents except during approved COVID-19 telehealth periods.

Enrollment: $91
Fee per class: $31
Total cost of program: $866

AB1353 (9 Month Program)

First-time DUI offenders ordered to attend the AB1353 program must complete:

• 50 hours – Group Counseling (25 two-hour sessions)
  • 12 hours – Education (6 two-hour sessions)
  • 6 Individual interviews (minimum 15 minutes each)
  • 18 Self-Help Meetings

Allowed absences: 7

This program is typically ordered for first-time offenders with a BAC above 0.20%.

Enrollment: $203
Fee per class: $31
Total cost of program: $1,319

SB38 (18 Month Education Program)

Individuals ordered to complete an SB38 program must attend both phases:

Phase I – First 12 Months
• 52 hours – Group Counseling
• 12 hours – Education
• 26 Individual interviews
• 26 Self-Help Meetings
Allowed absences: 10

Phase II – Final 6 Months
• 6 hours – Re-Entry Counseling

Enrollment: $67
Fee per class: $31 (Phase I) / $20 (Phase II)
Total cost of program: $1,985

PRE-TRIAL DRUG DIVERSION PROGRAM (PC1000)

Individuals granted PC1000 must complete a 16-week program consisting of:

• Enrollment interview
  • 20 hours – Education
  • 10 hours – Group Counseling
  • Mid-program and exit interviews

Allowed absences: 5

Enrollment fee: $70
Fee per class: $27
Total cost of program: $496

HOWARD’S GROUP – SUBSTANCE ABUSE OUTPATIENT TREATMENT

This program is not currently offered.

DRUG TESTING SERVICES

We provide drug testing services throughout the Coachella Valley, including:

• Urinalysis (12-panel iCup) – $50
  • Breathalyzer testing – $20
  • Laboratory testing – $75

Results available immediately for in-house testing.

OUT-OF-STATE ASSESSMENTS & EVALUATIONS

If you received a DUI or drug charge in another state and need to meet California requirements, we can provide assessments and evaluation recommendations.

Cost: $150