Why DUIs Are a Major Red Flag of Alcohol Abuse
Driving under the influence is a sign that your loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse. The Forge Recovery Center can help.
Drunk driving is illegal in 50 states, and for a good reason:
Every 52 minutes, someone in the United States dies from drunk driving
Nearly 1 million Americans are arrested every year for driving under the influence
Alcohol reduces brain function, often leaving drivers intoxicated, impaired, and unable to drive
Drunk driving has consequences for the people it harms and the people that are driving.
If an individual is caught driving drunk, they can face fines, jail time, and the loss of their license. Receiving a DUI can be life-changing, and when struggling with alcoholism, getting arrested for drunk driving is usually a wake-up call that it is time to change their life.
DUIs and Alcohol Abuse
When someone becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol, the addiction begins to control their life. They may start to set aside their relationships, give up their hobbies, struggle with work and school, and jeopardize their health and well-being to maintain the habit.
Unfortunately, that means they might often make decisions that hurt themselves and those around them, including driving under the influence.
If an individual gets arrested for a DUI, this does not automatically mean they are an alcoholic. Although, if a person is arrested for a DUI, they could fit the criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence. In fact, many drunk drivers repeat this offense again.
This demonstrates that even though individuals are aware of the severe consequences of driving under the influence, they are too consumed by their addictions to weigh their decisions appropriately.
Due to the strong correlation between alcoholism and driving under the influence, 45 states require that individuals undergo evaluation for a substance abuse disorder when arrested for DUI. If it is found that they are suffering from an addiction, they will typically be court-ordered to seek treatment. Although, it takes more than just a court order to recover from an addiction.
How to Support a Loved One After a DUI
If you have a loved one that has had multiple DUIs and has gone through court-ordered treatment, you must continue to be gentle and supportive while they are on their journey. It may be time to have an intervention.
To stage a successful intervention for a loved one, it is essential to consult a therapist or someone who specializes in interventions to ensure that you develop a plan that is built on compassion and understanding for what your loved one is going through. You will also need to stick to the facts of their situation and the support from other friends and family members to show that the person knows that they are being supported and not attacked.
Before you engage in the intervention, everyone involved must rehearse what they are going to say to ensure they are coming from a place of compassion. The person who is addicted is already struggling, and you must choose your words carefully. Interventions are about helping your loved one, not blaming or hurling accusations.
If you approach your loved ones when they are sober and with a plan, it will prevent you from losing control and raising your voice. This will help increase the chances your loved ones will choose to seek help for themselves.
Next Steps for Recovery
If your loved one is ready to seek treatment for their alcohol abuse, it is crucial to find a treatment center that fits their needs. If your loved one has been through the DUI process, it will be essential to seek an inpatient treatment facility where they can detox safely and have the 24/7 support and resources they need to stop drinking for good. Additionally, you will need to find a treatment facility whose practices are scientifically based to ensure they receive proper care.
In the appropriate inpatient treatment facility, your loved one will receive an array of treatments to help them detox more comfortably and develop the skills to help prevent them from using again. Your loved one will likely be given benzodiazepines to help with withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, they will meet with a therapist who will engage them in individual and group therapy to help them develop better coping mechanisms, so they do not return to drinking.
After they have left rehab, it is important to consider placement in a sober living home. In a sober living home, your loved ones will be in an environment where they will not have easy access to alcohol, and medically trained staff will be present to help manage their cravings and encourage them on their road to recovery.
The Forge Recovery Center Will Help Your Loved One Start Their Recovery Journey
DUIs are a sign that your loved one is struggling with alcohol, especially if they have been arrested multiple times. If they are not willing to seek treatment for their substance abuse disorder, you must remain patient and encourage them to seek help. When they are ready to seek treatment of their own volition, there are many treatment options available to ensure they make a full recovery.
The Forge Recovery Center has the expertise to help your loved one on their journey to recovery. Our expertly trained staff are well-versed in providing the treatments and therapies needed for your loved one to beat cravings, better their physical and mental health, and start a new life filled with happiness and peace.
If you are curious about the available treatment options, we would love to help you. To learn more, reach out to The Forge Recovery Center today.
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