Driving while under the influence, also called impaired driving, refers to the consumption of alcohol followed by the operation of a motor vehicle. Motor vehicles don’t only include cars; this also is in reference to motorcycles, bicycles, boats, golf carts, lawnmowers, and jet-skis. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 10,265 people were killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes within the past five years, encompassing about 29% of all total motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the United States.
If a person engages in drunk driving and survives a collision, yet the other party is killed or injured, they have to live with the consequences. That emotional burden has the potential to be worse than any physical harm. Despite this, the physical damage that results from drunk driving can be very severe, also. Impaired driving can lead to accidents that cause disfigurement, paralysis, brain damage, and even death.
Impaired driving is also against the law; drunk drivers normally lose their license, are required to pay fines, and are left to cope with higher insurance costs. Typical retributions for conviction of a drunken driving-related offense may include:
- Suspension or revocation of driver’s license
- Jail time
- Vehicle impoundmen
- Confiscation of license plate
- Alcohol abuse evaluations
- Monitored sobriety
- Mandatory alcohol abuse treatment program
The Dangers of Drunk Driving
Alcohol’s sedative effects skew the driver’s coordination and decision-making skills. A driver who is impaired lacks the ability to quickly and intentionally avoid an accident or even execute routine driving maneuvers. Drunk drivers put themselves and everyone else on the road in danger, which elevates the risk of automobile crashes and deaths.
Drunk driving is as prevalent as it is deadly. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, almost 4 million American adults have committed about 112 million drunk driving incidents in 2010 alone. Despite a large number of drunk driving episodes, only a small amount of impaired drivers are arrested. There are nearly 300,000 drunk driving incidents in America every single day, however, arrests are made in only 0.013 percent of these cases.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break the dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addiction and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
