FOR more than 20 years Karralika Programs Inc has run drink-driver education courses in the ACT.

And for the past seven years it has been the lead provider of the “Sober Driver Program”. Now, with the recent introduction of legislation that sees mandatory alcohol and drug awareness courses for people guilty of drink or drug driving, they’ve introduced a new, intense, drink-driver program for mid-high-range and repeat offenders called “Reversed”.

According to CEO Camilla Rowland, the aim of “Reversed” is to raise awareness, increase knowledge and help people make better decisions.

“In two, three-hour sessions, ‘Reversed’ will provide information and facts about alcohol and drugs, examine the impacts of drink driving on the offender and other people, provide approaches to problem solving and assist participants to identify risk situations and promote safety,” she said.

She says after the course participants will receive a certificate of completion and, once Road User Services are advised, they can reapply for their driving licence.

While the 18-hour “Sober Driver Program” will continue to be available, “Reversed” meets the Government requirements for drivers to begin their rehabilitation.

“It’s a much more intensive course,” she said.

“It includes a group session, so people can discuss their own situations and explore key themes in a group situation.”

The Road Ready Centre will provide a low-range, first-time-offender course and both Road Ready Centre and Karralika Programs Inc will provide the mid-high-range and repeat-offender course.

“When thinking of repeat and ongoing alcohol and drug users, [our drink driver courses] gets them to think about their responsibilities,” she said.

“In a number of situations, people have gone on to other programs, such as AA, and changed their entire attitude to life.”

The course costs $220 and $180 for concession. More information at www.karralika.org.au

[box]Karralika Programs Inc, a non-profit organisation, was established in 1976 (as the Alcohol and Drug Foundation of the ACT, ADFACT) in response to the community concern at the escalating use of alcohol and other drugs, especially among young people.
Karralika Programs Inc offers services to the ACT and surrounding region to people with alcohol and other drug dependencies through a range of residential and community-based programs.[/box]