Look, I like a good drink as much as the next guy… heck, I even write about drinking… but driving under the influence of alcohol (or drugs) is a serious offense. But apparently some people still don’t understand that, no, you do not drive better drunk. (Raise your hand if you've had a buddy tell you that.)
In the US alone, DUI-related offenses number in the hundreds of thousands each and every year. That’s completely unacceptable. Get charged with driving under the influence, and you're likely faced with a number of challenges, including social stigma, emotional turmoil, legal difficulties, loss of your right to drive, loss of your job, and more.
But enough preaching… if you’ve already been convicted of a DUI there are ways to get your life back on track. Here are a few ways to do that:
Comply with Court Orders. ALL of Them
Depending on your charges, plea-bargains and other factors, you may have to comply with several court-ordered stipulations. Typically, guys charged with DUI can face punishments like house arrest, community service, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, a suspended or revoked driver's license, monetary fines and, in some cases, a jail or prison sentence. Also, some states require the use of devices that prevent impaired driving through the use of breathalyzer technology. For example, a Florida ignition interlock device is typically required for drivers in that state who have more than one DUI offense.
So here’s the deal: No matter what punishment the court hands down, no matter how much you might disagree with it, comply with each and every of the court's stipulations. This is essential to getting your life back on track, and putting your DUI charge behind you.
Get Treatment
In some cases, DUIs are an isolated incident resulting from a momentary lapse in judgment. In others, driving under the influence is one of the many signs of alcoholism or drug addiction. When that’s the case, risky behavior like impaired driving are par for the course, and signify a much deeper problem. If you think you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, seeking treatment is essential to your physical and psychological well being. And don’t be one of those guys who thinks going to meetings or asking for help is a sign of weakness. There's no shame in asking for help. Ever. If you are suffering the effects of alcoholism, seek professional treatment as quickly as possible.
Seek Support
After getting hit with a DUI, support from friends and family members is extremely important. Sure, we know the social stigma, guilt and other effects of a DUI conviction, make going to loved ones for support difficult. And in some cases, friends and family members can even struggle with their own feelings about it, and may need some time in coming to grips with the whole situation. The best is advice? Talk to them. Keep an open mind. Because in the end, you’re going to need them.
Counseling
Even if you don’t have a serious problem with drugs or alcohol, counseling can be helpful in dealing with the fallout of a DUI conviction. Face it, people are going to look at you differently, your girlfriend’s feelings toward you may change, and you are going to be dealing with a ton of stress. A mental health professional can treat underlying conditions like depression or anxiety, as well as help in the development of coping strategies in the interest of long-term health and sobriety.
Counseling can also give you behavior modification techniques, which are designed to help in identifying unhealthy thoughts and behaviors, avoiding triggers and utilizing better judgment. In some cases, counseling is a court-ordered mandate following a DUI conviction. But even if you aren't required to undergo counseling, you might just find it beneficial.
Moving Forward
Once you've complied with the courts and made an effort to repair some of the damage that comes along with a DUI offense, it's time to move forward with your life. Yes, you made the wrong move when you decided to slide behind the wheel more than a few drinks in, but, the next step is forgiving yourself, learn from it, and move forward. Focus on your relationships and your career, and fill your time with positive activities. Prove it was a one time thing, and you got the message. And got a designated driver.
[Image: Ildar Sagdejev]
Comments
Post a Comment