DUI and Alcohol Abuse

Many people wonder if there is a correlation between being arrested for a DUI and alcohol abuse.

According to the CDC, alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships, or ability to work. Alcohol abuse is dangerous and can lead to alcohol dependency and addiction. The more one abuses alcohol, the greater the chance of developing dependency. Since alcoholism is a progressive disease, it can happen slowly and over time.

Now let’s look at the consequences of driving while under the influence. Setting aside the possibility of death or multiple deaths, there are many consequences that come with this offense. A DUI conviction can be expensive and cause financial burdens on individuals and families. If the license is suspended or jail time is involved, the interruption to employment adds to the financial stress and the stress to the family.

A DUI does not necessarily indicate alcohol addiction.

For some, a DUI may be just the wake-up call they need to curb their drinking habits and develop healthier patterns. Someone who is dependent on alcohol may try to stop drinking but be unable to. Despite the consequences, they continue to drink heavily and potentially rack up more DUIs along the way.

No one wants to be addicted to alcohol. But if you find that you want to stop drinking but can’t, help is available. Treatment can help you detox and then spend some intensive time in therapy to examine your behaviors, find underlying causes, and develop better coping mechanisms for dealing with stress or strong emotions.