We ask ourselves the same question all the time.

In our opinion, “the system” often adopts the attitude that people who have broken the law should have to pay “whatever it takes” to set things right and then takes advantage of people (who have little choice in the matter) by charging as much as they possibly can.

We think that this attitude is unjust, exploitative, and that it ignores the reality of the financial hardships that people often face after a drug or alcohol charge. We also believe that it doesn’t make sense to make it more difficult for people to access information that can improve their health and quality of life and that overcharging for PRIME for Life® classes is contrary to the spirit of the program.

Because we believe this, we make our classes as affordable as possible. For more information about our low prices, see below.

For more general information about PRIME for Life® classes, visit the following links:

The Official PRIME for Life® Website
The Utah Department of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Website
Utah DUI Best Practices (PDF)

No. You have the right to take the PRIME for Life® course from the company of your choice.

Many of our students receive misinformation that they must take the course from one agency or another and are often referred to agencies that charge too much, have inflexible schedules, or are just plain rude.

To be authorized to teach PRIME for Life® classes and satisfy court requirements, agencies only have to meet the guidelines listed under the above question in this FAQ.

All authorized PRIME for Life® agencies are trained by the same people, the Prevention Research Institute, and are supervised by the Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. The only differences between one authorized PRIME for Life® company to another are their prices, class availability, and how they treat their students.

You have the right to ask your court or court representative to take this class from the company that best fits your budget, location, and schedule needs.

You can find a list of all state certified PRIME for Life® classes registered with the Prevention Research Institute at the Utah Department of Substance Abuse and Mental Health website (www.dsamh.utah.gov).

1.    Navigate to this link on the DSAMH official webiste
2.    Click on “DUI Education Providers-Alphabetic”
3.    Scroll down to where you see Odyssey House on the left hand column
You’ll notice that Odyssey House is included on the list. These are the treatment centers under whose licenses we are certified to teach PRIME for Life® classes.

PRIME for Life® instructors must receive official training from the Prevention Research Institute (PRI) to become certified to teach the course.

Instructors must maintain current PRIME for Life® certification by completing continuing education hours.

PRIME for Life® instructors must also teach the course under the supervision of a licensed substance abuse treatment agency.

•    To learn about the risk factors of drug and alcohol use in a relaxed environment
•    To get more information about substance abuse issues before deciding on treatment
•    To learn about research concerning the risks of drug and alcohol use for the benefit of another person
•    To support a family member or loved one who is enrolled in the series

In the state of Utah, you have to complete the PRIME for Life® series for the following reasons:

•    If you received a first DUI charge and were not recommended for treatment
•    If you received a second DUI charge within 10 years of your first DUI charge and were not recommended for treatment
•    If you received an underage drinking charge, also known as a “Not A Drop” violation
•    If your judge, court representative, or Driver’s License Division ordered you to take the series because of some other drug or alcohol charge
•    If your court-ordered therapist thinks you could benefit from the course to supplement your treatment

For more information about laws regarding PRIME for Life® Classes — Click Here

The people who take PRIME for Life® classes are described as follows:

• Their judge ordered them to take PRIME for Life®
• They received a “no treatment recommended” determination following a court-ordered substance abuse evaluation which immediately qualifies them for the PRIME for Life® series
• Their therapist or probation officer told them to take the series
• Their attorney suggested they take the series before appearing in court for a minor possession charge or DUI charge

• A friend or family member told them about PRIME for Life®
• They received an alcohol or drug charge in another state and chose to take the course in Utah to satisfy out of state requirements as determined by the student
• They have become concerned with their choices, or a loved one’s choices, regarding drug or alcohol use, are not yet sure if treatment is the right option for them and instead take the PRIME for Life® series to receive general information about drug and alcohol use in a non-confrontational, educational setting

For more information about why people take PRIME for Life® Classes — Click Here

PRIME For Life® consists of general information about substance use and abuse. Some of the topics discussed are (but not limited to):

• The main biological risk factors for alcoholism and what they mean
• Is marijuana addictive?
• What is impairment? What does impairment mean for the individual? When does impairment begin?
• Narcotics vs. stimulants; what can they do to me?
• Victim empathy component as related to driving impaired
• What is most important to me (the student) and how can I protect what is important to me?
• Psychological and social influences surrounding substance use choices
• Understanding tolerance
• Is marijuana safe for driving?
• Risks related to quantity and frequency of drinking alcohol
• Prescription drug risks
• Pregnancy and substance use
• A closer look at my drinking choices
• The study of the Four Phases of Use (a continuum)

PRIME For Life® is a research-based substance use prevention and impaired driving class,as well as a class used for minors in possession/use of alcohol/controlled substances. The program educates students of all ages about the risks of drug and alcohol use. The program is used in over 40 US states, several foreign countries, active duty US military, over 100 college/university campuses and secondary schools.