What’s So Bad About Drinking and Driving

Drinking and driving can obviously get people in trouble with the law. Beyond the legal ramifications, it is also a dangerous thing to do. When someone drinks, the alcohol inhibits their ability to think clearly. It also slows down their reaction time. If something happens on the roadway, the driver is less able to react in time to prevent an accident.

The Dangers of Drinking and Driving

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 112 million adults were drinking and driving in 2010. This means that those drivers had a blood-alcohol content that was higher than 0.08 percent. Many car accidents are caused by drinking. The brain is unable to process information normally. With an impaired mind and slower reaction times, people are more likely to get into an accident.

The dangers of drinking and driving do not just affect the driver. Other people are on the roadways. When the driver gets into an accident, they can cause injuries and fatalities to other people.

Legal Problems

It is against the law to be intoxicated while driving in every state. For most states, drivers must have a blood-alcohol content below 0.08 percent. If someone has a higher level of alcohol in their body, they may end up getting cited for driving under the influence (DUI). Depending on the state, this could lead to a fine, a license suspension or even jail time.

If someone is killed because a driver was intoxicated, the driver will be charged with vehicular manslaughter. Drivers may also receive more serious sentences if they have previously had a DUI. The individual may have to enroll in an alcohol treatment program, lose their driver’s license or spend time in jail as a result.

The Effects of Drinking

Even if the individual manages to drive intoxicated without causing an accident or getting a ticket, there are still other problems. Drinking can cause long-term damage to the liver, kidneys and cardiovascular system. Someone who suffers from alcohol abuse may develop all kinds of problems including:

• Stomach issues
• Financial problems
• Damage to the heart, brain, liver, nervous system and stomach
• Cancer
• Legal issues
• Marital problems and isolation from family members or friends
• Loss of job
• High blood pressure

Getting Treatment

Alcoholism is a disease that harms all aspects of an individual’s life. From health problems to difficulties maintaining a job, it can lead to long-term harm for an individual and his or her family and friends. Becoming sober is the first step toward preventing these issues. An alcohol recovery center can help patients detox safely from alcohol and then get treatment for underlying issues.

At a treatment center, patients initially go through detox under medical supervision. Afterward, a variety of therapy programs can be used to aid in recovery such as:

• Mindfulness-based treatment
• Addiction education
• Nutritional support and exercise therapy
• Group therapy and support meetings
• Individual therapy

These programs provide the support and care that patients need to recover. No one deserves to live with the pain and stress of alcoholism. If you have a problem with alcohol or with drinking and driving, we can help. Call Beaches Recovery today at 866.605.0532.