DUI/DWI

On the road, there is a problem that affects us all:  individuals who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  Being found guilty of this crime is referred to as Driving under the Influence, or more commonly as a DUI.  In some states, driving under the influence may also be referred to as DWI (or Driving while Intoxicated), or the state might have two classifications (DUI and DWI) based on the severity of the incident.

What constitutes a DUI?

Driving under the Influence refers to those who operate their vehicle while impaired due to alcohol consumption or drug use. An individual is considered to be “under the influence” if he or she has either a blood-alcohol concentration of .08, is under the influence of drugs, or is impaired due to medication.

What happens if you get a DUI?

State laws are tough and the penalties are steep.  If you are found guilty of driving under the influence you can expect to have your license suspended, have your license revoked, pay steep fines, or in the case of repeat offenses or one where an individual is hurt or killed, even face jail time.

Concern for those who get a DUI

If you, or a loved one, has been charged with a DUI, it should set off some warning bells.  The behavior required to get a DUI is often symptomatic of a drinking or substance abuse problem. While many individuals will say that they can control their alcohol consumption or drug use, many are simply in denial about the depth of their problem.  For these individuals, a drug rehab or alcohol rehab program is strongly recommended.

How do drug or alcohol rehab programs help?

Rehab programs help change lives because they work with the individual to change their behaviors.  Drug treatment programs such as those found in residential rehab or outpatient rehab first help the individual get clean, getting them through detox so that their systems are cleansed of the toxins found in drugs or alcohol. Then, once the body is “clean”, work begins on the mind.  Group and individual counseling programs help get to the root causes that brought about the substance abuse, and educate the individual as to how to live their lives with the drugs or alcohol.  An individual who completes rehab (and stays in their after-care programs) is unlikely to find themselves in a position to get a DUI because they have been given the tools to enjoy life without drugs or alcohol.

For help finding top rehab programs, visit www.rehabdirectory.com.  The site features thousands of listings for drug treatment centers, alcohol treatment programs and more. Rehabdirectory.com is the perfect place to locate the program that meets your needs and can help you the most.  Don’t ignore the warning signs!  A DUI may be a sign that there is a more serious issue in your life that needs immediate attention.