Getting arrested for drunk driving can be good because it can be an eye-opener. It presents the perfect opportunity for the offender to recognize their problem with drinking when driving. A study carried out in 2002 showed that most first-time DUI offenders acknowledged they needed a change in their drinking-and-driving behavior.
DUIs are a problem in the US, with one crash occurring every fifty-three minutes and ten thousand people getting killed annually. Although drunk-driving-related deaths have reduced over the years, you still have a one in three chance of being in an alcohol-influenced crash.
Alcohol Use Disorder: Knowing When to Quit
Unhealthy alcohol use ultimately refers to any form of drinking that jeopardizes your health or safety or results in other alcohol-related problems. It is a disorder that can range from mild to moderate to severe, depending on your symptoms. Below are signs that you may have alcohol use disorder:
- You cannot limit the amount of alcohol you consume
- You always get strung urges to drink, spend too much time drinking, buying alcohol, or getting over hangovers
- You experience withdrawal symptoms like sweating, nausea and shaking when you do not drink or you drink to avoid these problems
- You develop a tolerance that requires you to need more alcohol to feel its effect, and
- You give up or minimize hobbies and social and work activities to have more time drinking
12 Tips to Prevent Drunk Driving
You must take action if you do not want to become a regular with DUI arrests. Below are twelve proven tips on how to avoid becoming a drunk-driving statistic:
- Avoid steering if you have been drinking, whether you feel intoxicated or not
- Do not let someone you suspect to be under the influence of alcohol drive you
- Designate a sober driver before you intend to hold a celebration involving some drinking before it starts. If you forget to get a designated driver, use public transportation, Uber, or taxis. Or, you can simply stay with friends or at a hotel if you know you have been drinking
- Include non-alcoholic drinks at your parties and quit serving alcohol to go
- Obey the law that prohibits individuals below 21 from drinking
- Join the movement for ignition locks in vehicles of DUI offenders, repeat offenders or not. These devices keep your car from starting once they detect alcohol on the driver’s breath above 0.02 percent BAC
- Ensure public schools around you have school-based instructional programs regarding the use of alcohol and substance
- If you or a loved one gets arrested for a DUI, ask your doctor to do an alcohol screening for you
- Before they enter their teen years, educate your children about alcohol use, your standard, and why you have these standards. The younger the age you start educating your children about alcohol use, the better
- As for a treatment plan, medications, or recommended addiction center for treating alcohol use disorder from your doctor
- Attend programs and mutual support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous for all the peer support you need to stop drinking
- Consider behavior therapy tools like counseling that can help you develop skills effective in overcoming triggers of alcohol use
Conclusion
“Alcohol use disorder or addiction is complex, requiring treatment patterned to the individual. It cannot be fixed with general tips or one-size-fits-all treatment.” says Attorney Ryan McPhie of Grand Canyon Law Group.
