Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health, Inc.

The Substance Awareness Traffic Offenders Program (SATOP) plays a critical role in addressing the dangers of drinking and driving in Missouri. Each year, alcohol-related traffic offenses lead to thousands of injuries and fatalities, creating significant financial and emotional burdens on communities. To combat these issues, the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Division of Behavioral Health certifies SATOP to provide specialized services for individuals with alcohol- or drug-related traffic offenses. Serving over 30,000 DWI offenders annually, SATOP is a mandatory component for driver’s license reinstatement following an administrative suspension, revocation, court order, or plea bargain related to an alcohol offense.

The program begins with an Offender Management Unit, where individuals undergo a comprehensive screening process. This includes a review of their driving record, breath alcohol content at the time of arrest, a computer-interpreted assessment, and an interview with a qualified substance abuse professional. Based on this evaluation, participants are referred to the appropriate SATOP program tailored to their needs. These programs are designed to address the underlying issues contributing to impaired driving behaviors, providing education, intervention, and treatment as needed.

SATOP's mission is to reduce the prevalence of impaired driving while promoting safer roads and healthier communities. By addressing the root causes of substance misuse and ensuring compliance with legal requirements, SATOP not only aids offenders in regaining their driving privileges but also contributes to long-term behavioral change and public safety.