There is one way that a drunk driving arrest can be a good thing. It can provide an opportunity for the offender to recognize he or she has a problem with drinking, especially when driving.
A 2002 study revealed that most first-time offenders who entered a “driving under the influence of alcohol” (DUI) program acknowledged that they needed to change both their drinking and their drinking-and-driving behavior and indicated that they were trying to do so.
FAQs: DUI Arrests, Alcohol Use, and Prevention Tips
How can a DUI arrest be a turning point for someone?
A DUI arrest can act as a wake-up call, helping individuals recognize they may have a drinking problem. Many first-time offenders realize they need to change both their drinking habits and their drinking-and-driving behavior.
What are the common signs of alcohol use disorder?
Common signs include an inability to limit alcohol intake, strong cravings, neglecting responsibilities, building tolerance, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and giving up social or work activities.
What are the dangers of drunk driving?
Drunk driving causes thousands of deaths and injuries each year and accounts for nearly half of all fatal crashes. It also results in enormous financial costs to society.
What are some effective ways to prevent drunk driving?
Effective methods include using a designated driver, planning ahead for transportation, avoiding riding with intoxicated drivers, supporting public safety laws, and providing alcohol-free alternatives at events.
How can someone get help for alcohol use problems?
Help can include talking to a doctor about treatment options, joining support groups like AA, exploring behavioral therapy, and using FDA-approved medications. Recognizing the issue after a DUI can be the first step toward recovery.
Understanding the Impact of Drunk Driving
DUI or “driving while intoxicated” (DWI) causes a car crash every 53 minutes in the United States. Drunk driving kills about 10,000 people every year. And while deaths involving a drunk driver have fallen by a third over the past 30 years, your chance of being in an alcohol-impaired crash is still one in three over the course of your lifetime, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Almost half of all fatal car crashes involve alcohol use. These deaths and damages cost our nation more than $52 billion per year.
When Alcohol Use Becomes Unsafe
Unhealthy alcohol use is any drinking that puts your health or safety at risk or causes other alcohol-related problems. Alcohol use disorder can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on the number of symptoms you experience. Signs and symptoms may include:
- Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink
- Feeling a strong craving or urge to drink alcohol, spending a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol, or recovering from “hangovers”
- Failing to fulfill your obligations at work, school or home due to repeated alcohol use
- Giving up or reducing social, work activities and hobbies
- Developing a tolerance so you need more alcohol to feel its effect
- Having withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating and shaking when you don't drink; or drinking to avoid these symptoms
What Works: Tips for Avoiding Drunk Driving
Here are some proven tips to avoid being a drunk-driving statistic:
- There are no exceptions to the rule: If you’ve been drinking, do not drive.
- Never ride in a car with a driver you suspect is under the influence of alcohol. Even one drink can impair your safety.
- Designate a sober driver before celebrations begin. Utilize public transportation, taxis, or Uber. Anticipate staying with friends, in a hotel or walking home after drinking.
- Plan safe parties that include non-alcohol drink options and stop serving alcohol before the last hour of the party.
- Support laws that enforce “zero tolerance,” maintain a minimum legal drinking age of 21, and allow license suspension for DUI offenders.
- Support ignition interlock mandates for all DUI and DWI offenders. These devices prevent the car from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath.
- Ensure public schools offer instructional programs on alcohol use and its dangers.
- Encourage your doctor to do alcohol screening and offer brief interventions following a DUI or DWI arrest.
- Ask your doctor for a treatment plan. FDA-approved medications and treatment clinics are available for alcohol use disorders.
- Talk to your children early about alcohol use and set clear expectations. Parents’ influence is powerful.
- Consider behavioral therapy, such as counseling or support groups, to help manage stress and triggers that lead to drinking.
- Attend mutual-support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for peer support in recovery.
Seeking Help for Alcohol Use
Alcohol dependence is a complex disorder and there’s not a one-size-fits-all type of treatment. Recognizing the problem, especially following a DUI or DWI arrest, can be a powerful first step toward recovery and healthier choices.
