This means they might drive too fast, miss stop signs, or not consequences of driving drunk include: react quickly enough to avoid accidents. Even one drink can slow a driver’s reaction time and make it harder to focus on the road. In this guide, we’ll explore the dangers of drinking and driving, the legal consequences, and how to support a loved one facing a DUI charge. You certainly don’t have to be falling down drunk to be a dangerous drunk driver.
- Kerilyn Ward, BSN, RN, is a compassionate Registered Nurse who specializes in maternal and neonatal health.
- You may be fired from your current job or have trouble securing a new job, when employers find out about the offense.
- One study examined the length of abstinence among those who are addicted to alcohol—as well as among drug addicts—and found that the longer someone remained abstinent, the lower the risk of relapse.
- Even a small amount of alcohol can impact one’s concentration and judgment.
Alcohol Use Disorder
One study examined the length of abstinence among those who are addicted to alcohol—as well as among drug addicts—and found that the longer someone remained abstinent, the lower the risk of relapse. Even following that guide, you could still end up with a BAC over the legal limit. That’s because the alcohol metabolism rate can vary from person to person and setting to setting, depending on many factors (7). On average, booze leaves the body at a rate of 0.015 g/100mL/hour. Based on this, people tend to think the “one drink per hour rule” is safe. The study also found that one-fifth of respondents chose to drink and drive because of internal factors.
- The risks of driving under the influence of alcohol far outweigh any potential benefits.
- You can check your insurance benefits online now to determine whether your insurance provider will cover alcohol rehabilitation.
- It is likely you will feel ashamed of your actions and will be treated differently by everybody in your life who hears about the DUI charge.
- More than 1.1 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics in 2014.
Support To Cut Back or Quit Drinking
Alcohol consumption hinders sound decision-making, leading individuals to take actions they wouldn’t normally consider if they were sober. Despite the known danger, many still choose to drive under the influence, ignoring the risks, as their thoughts are clouded by alcohol. It is widely recognized that driving while drunk is a poor decision, but this awareness is often overridden by impaired judgment caused by alcohol. If a person is seriously hurt, the driver may face aggravated DUI charges. It usually applies when there are serious injuries or deaths involved. This charge can also be imposed if there is a history of DUIs or the person is driving on a suspended or revoked license.
What are the legal consequences of drunk driving?
Besides severely affecting your physical and mental health, alcohol can also lead to social and legal problems. A person at this level experiences a loss of coordination, impaired balance, and problems focusing. Inhibitions are also lowered, so risky behaviors are more common.
Drunk Driving and DUIs
Don’t shy away from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings, as joining a support group like AA can provide you with community, accountability, and encouragement from others experiencing similar struggles. DUI and DWI also restrict international travel and vacation choices, as some countries do not allow people with these convictions on their records to enter. Ria Health offers several FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder. When combined with counseling, this approach is proven highly Alcoholics Anonymous effective.
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Treatment programs exist for all levels, ages, and even lifestyles. Residential or outpatient alcohol rehabilitation programs offer comprehensive support, including detoxification, counseling, and therapy. If you have even the slightest concern that you may be alcohol-impaired, it’s just better to call an Uber or hand your keys off to a designated driver.