When You Get Pulled Over-DUI vs DWI

You’ve likely heard of the terms DUI and DWI but may be wondering what the difference between them is. Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) are two sides of the same coin. Usually, the difference lies in what a particular state has decided to use. While the terms may vary from state to state, the core of what they mean tends to stay the same. Although typically, these terms apply to drunk driving, this isn’t an exclusive demarcation. You can become impaired after taking painkillers or being high on meth. When you’re talking about recovery from substance abuse, the DUI vs. DWI debate goes beyond the legalities of the courtroom. At Beaches Recovery, our Fresh Start DUI program is just one program we offer to help individuals deal with a DUI or DWI fallout.

From the Perspective of the Law, DUI vs. DWI is a Moot Point

Both terms identify illegal activity. If police suspect impairment because of alcohol consumption, they must prove a blood alcohol content (BAC) beyond 0.08 percent. The litmus test is your inability to drive like someone without any substances in her or his system.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlined why the DUI vs. DWI debate means very little. Statistics show that 28 people a day lose their lives in vehicle crashes involving alcohol impairment. A blood alcohol content (BAC) as low as 0.02 percent, which occurs after about two drinks, can adversely affect your ability to multi-task.

After three drinks, you might reach a BAC of 0.05 percent, which makes steering a car more difficult. Keeping track of other vehicles becomes tricky. Once you reach the legal limit after four drinks, you have problems with speeding. You find it difficult to concentrate, and it takes you longer to react to visual cues such as lights.

Researchers arrived at these figures by using a 160-pound man as an example. Depending on your height, weight, gender, and even your ability to “hold your liquor,” you may register impairment much sooner. Also, remember that this listing applies to alcohol. It doesn’t measure intoxication from other substances.

It’s the First Time the Police Caught You

Each drug brings its own dangers when you take it and then get behind the wheel. Cocaine leads to disorientation and erratic driving; meth can cause hallucinations and speeding. Opioid consumption may result in drowsiness and severely diminished reflexes. At Beaches Recovery, we offer numerous substance abuse treatment programs, such as:

• Alcohol addiction
• Heroin addiction
• Cocaine addiction
• Benzodiazepine addiction
• Opiate addiction
• Opioid addiction
• Meth addiction
• Marijuana addiction
• Adderall addiction

The police caught you this time. How many times have you driven while under the influence of an intoxicating substance, and nobody stopped you? It’s impossible to state accurately just how often someone gets behind the wheel when s/he shouldn’t. Some groups believe that it may be as often as 80 times before a first arrest.

Don’t Get Lost in the Minutiae; Get Help Today at Beaches Recovery

It’s easy to argue about the details when discussing DUI vs. DWI. If you know someone who drives drunk or after using drugs, get them help. If it’s you, give us a call. At Beaches Recovery, friendly therapists know how to help an alcoholic. Programs that exist to facilitate healing include:

• Residential treatment for maximum one-on-one attention
• Dual diagnosis assessment to treat the root of the addiction
• Gender-specific healing options that take into account your individual needs
• Full customization of your path to recovery to maximize relapse prevention
• A sober living option that lets you practice independent living in a structured setting

Call 866.605.0532, or contact us online today to put someone, maybe you, into an alcohol rehab center and on the safe road to recovery!