Do You Need Alcohol Treatment After A DUI?

If law enforcement catches you driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI), you may be required to participate in court-ordered treatment depending on your history with alcohol abuse. 

Those who engage in operating a motor vehicle while impaired, also referred to as drunk driving, are likely to require alcohol addiction treatment due to the fact that engaging in risky behavior is a warning sign of severe drug misuse.

DUI treatment allows DUI offenders to engage in a specialized alcohol treatment program. With substance abuse treatment, you may receive medical detox, take part in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and utilize aftercare resources.

Alcohol Treatment For A DUI

After a DUI, you could be mandated to attend a court-ordered alcohol rehab program. Or, the judge may recommend that you attend some form of alcohol treatment. If you require alcohol treatment after a DUI, there are various treatment options to consider.

Inpatient Treatment

With an inpatient treatment program, you receive 24/7 care on-site at the facility with access to healthcare professionals and peer support. While as an inpatient, you take part in scheduled activities such as individual therapy and group therapy.

Medical Detoxification

Detox allows your body to expel harmful chemicals from your body. Medical detox takes place in the beginning stages of treatment and although withdrawal symptoms can occur, clinicians will monitor you throughout the process.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

If a person suffers from an alcohol use disorder, they may receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT). This form of treatment is only offered to those with an alcohol use or opioid use disorder. MAT uses the combination of therapy and medications to tackle addiction.

Support Groups

12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can be beneficial before, during, and after treatment. Some with a DUI conviction may be mandated to attend an alcohol support group for a certain period of time. Support groups may also be part of your treatment plan.

Whether or not you need alcohol treatment after a DUI depends on your history of alcohol abuse and severity of your alcohol problem.

Understanding A DUI Charge

If you are drunk driving over your state’s legal limit, which is likely having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more, you may have a slowed reaction time or take part in erratic behavior on the road. If this is the case, a police officer may recognize your abnormal movements on the road and pull you over.

A law enforcement officer may require you to take a breathalyzer test. If you fail this field sobriety test, the officer may perform a DUI arrest.

Although each state may have specific restrictions for DUI cases, it is likely you will need to seek the legal advice of a defense attorney to help speak on your behalf regarding your DUI charge. If people were harmed during an accident, you may receive criminal charges,

Depending on if you’re a repeat offender or this is your first time DUI, your DUI lawyer will help you navigate the court system. However, even if you are a first-time offender, you may receive a misdemeanor charge.

Negative Consequences Of A DUI Conviction

If a judge rules you committed a DUI offense, there will likely be several negative consequences, even if this is your first offense.

License Suspension

You may lose driving privileges from a DUI conviction. With your driver’s license suspension, you may be required to place an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. It is also likely the DUI will be listed on your driving record.

Jail Time

Depending on the severity of the consequences from your DUI conviction and if you are a repeat offender, you may receive jail time ordered by a judge. 

If a person suffers from an alcohol use disorder and requires treatment, a judge may allow a person to receive treatment before beginning their jail sentence.

Community Service

Community service may be court-ordered as well. Often, a person may be required to take part in this form of service for an extended period of time. 

This allows you to be in a drug-free environment where you do helpful deeds that help the community, such as picking up trash along the highway.

Fines

Even if you serve jail time or lose driving privileges, it is likely you will be required to pay a fine for your DUI. Fines for a DUI can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

If you or a loved one require alcohol treatment, contact Ark Behavioral Health to learn about options.