For many people, getting stopped for a DUI is the point where they realize that they are abusing alcohol and possibly need treatment. Having to deal with the embarrassment, fines, loss of license and possibly spending time in jail that happens after a DUI is a harsh wake-up call. Once you realize that your drinking is out of control and that perhaps you are even dependent on alcohol, then you can get the help that you need. There isn’t any quick fix, I’m afraid, but there are options available when trying to deal with alcohol abuse.
The first thing to do is to see your primary doctor and have a thorough evaluation. Long-term alcohol abuse can take a heavy toll on the body and everyone is different when it comes to how much is too much. Your doctor should make sure that your liver and other organs are functioning properly prior to determining what course to take when dealing with your alcohol problem.
The doctor may decide that you’d be a good candidate for medications such as Naltrexone. This medication helps to reduce the cravings for alcohol and is prescribed for 12 weeks. You must be sober for at least a week prior to going on this medication, however, so you may need alcohol rehab first. You and your doctor will decide that based on your history with alcohol and how your physical examination goes.
For those who have mild to moderate alcohol dependency, an out-patient alcohol treatment plan may be suggested. This generally involves some sort of therapy, either with a group system like AA or a private therapist. Sometimes both are advised. An out-patient alcohol treatment plan may or may not be in conjunction with medications, depending on what you and your doctor decide. In order to be effective, though, you must decide that you do not want to be dependent on alcohol anymore and you must stop drinking completely. There is no such thing as a sort of alcoholic – you must be committed in order to succeed.
If you’ve been abusing alcohol for a very long time or were drinking extreme amounts of alcohol, you may need at least as short in-patient treatment program or rehab. This is because it can be dangerous to stop drinking once your body is so used to alcohol. You can suffer through withdrawal symptoms that can even cause hallucinations and seizures. With in-patient treatment, medical professionals are there around the clock to ensure that you are safe.
Having a good support network is going to be an important part of your recovery from alcohol abuse. Family members should be included in the treatment plan as much as possible so that they not only know how to help you, but that they can understand what you are going through. Often this will mean openly discussing the issues, including the DUI and what lead up to it. You will also need to take responsibility for what could have happened while you were driving while intoxicated. It is very important that you realize just how dangerous this kind of behavior is, both to you and to others.