Blog

Drinking and Driving

Driving while intoxicated is a serious offense that leads to severe legal consequences in every state, including jail time, steep fines and the suspension of driving privileges. Some people with a drinking and driving charge on their record also struggle to find work, as many employers are not willing to overlook such a dangerous lapse in judgment. A DUI conviction’s extensive, life-altering consequences can serve as a wake-up call to people that they have a drinking problem. Read on to learn more about alcohol intervention after a DUI. 

Court-Ordered Substance Abuse Treatment

In some cases, a judge may order people facing repeat drinking and driving charges to enroll in an approved rehab program in lieu of sentencing them to jail time or probation. This counseling can help people convicted of driving under the influence address the underlying causes of their substance use disorder, while simultaneously working on any other behavioral or mental health issues. 

In ordering people to attend court-mandated treatment, judges hope to increase public safety by reducing the number of returning DUI offenders. Often, these court orders keep people accountable to their rehab programs by imposing legal penalties for refusing to participate in treatment. However, by mandating DUI treatment in place of traditional sentencing, drug courts seek to rehabilitate people, not punish them. 

Alcohol Intervention

What happens if your loved one has a habit of drinking and driving and has not yet experienced any consequences of a DUI conviction? Because denial is a hallmark of addiction, they may stubbornly insist on getting behind the wheel after having a few drinks, putting themselves and others in danger. 

Since alcohol use disorder is a chronic, progressive illness, you should not expect someone with a drinking problem to suddenly get better on their own. With a professionally managed alcohol intervention, you can overcome their objections and convince them to enroll in an accredited substance abuse treatment program.

Why Do You Need a Professional Interventionist?

While you may hear the word “intervention” and picture a stressful experience full of shouting and crying, an experienced interventionist can act as a neutral third party, calmly guiding the conversation and focus toward one goal – convincing the addicted loved one to agree to seek help. 

With careful planning, scripting and rehearsing, your intervention can be highly successful in getting someone with an alcohol use disorder enrolled in a rehab program. Tips for an effective alcohol intervention include:

• Prepare all the details in advance, including who will be there, where they will sit and what they will say. 
• Ask all participants to write out their remarks ahead of time. Allowing people to speak off the cuff could derail the meeting when emotions are running high. 
• Ensure the meeting’s subject is sober at the time, and do not allow them access to alcohol during the intervention.
• Do not hold the intervention in a public place or a location where your loved one could easily walk out if they are not willing to hear what you have to say. 
• Have a treatment program lined up and ready to immediately accept your loved one as a new client. 

Substance Abuse Interventions 

While addicts may claim their self-destructive behavior does not harm anyone else, drinking and driving can have heartbreaking consequences. An alcohol intervention is a solution for anyone who is struggling with the impact of substance abuse on their relationships and mental well-being. At Whitman Recovery Service, we have helped families stage interventions in all 50 states, with a 98% success rate. Don’t wait another day to contact us and learn what our team can do for you.