Last Updated on Apr 3, 2023 by James W
All of us remember the feeling after getting a driving license. The feeling of freedom and liberation is hard to forget. After all, you are now able to drive anywhere anytime without restrictions. The world suddenly seems much smaller. However, the privilege of driving can be taken away in a moment. A Driving Under Influence (DUI) charge can leave you without a license and with numerous legal, financial, social, and emotional consequences. Here are some things to consider as you move forward and turn over a new page.
Think about your actions
Even if you’ve had your driving license reinstated, don’t go out driving just yet. There are still things that need to be done. Driving is a privilege despite often not being considered to be one. Try to avoid and keep yourself away from the things that took away this privilege. Think about your actions and put things into perspective.
Putting yourself in danger is stupid but remember that your actions put others at risk too. Being involved in an accident is common while inebriated. Reckless driving under such conditions can have devastating effects on everyone involved. Keep laws and regulations and follow them rigorously, so you don’t fall into the same trap as before. Keep yourself motivated to stay sober. Always remind yourself of the significance of road safety.
Seek Professional Help
Contact a DUI lawyer as soon as you are arrested. A good DUI lawyer representation will help you get out of trouble quickly. If you are a first time offender, it is likely that you don’t have to do jail time. This does not mean that you won’t have to deal with severe consequences. This is especially the case if your actions have led to injuries. However, getting thrown around the court certainly won’t help your recovery. Make sure you hire a capable attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Consider therapy or counselling
This might be a mandatory step to be taken based on your situation. However, it might be worth it to consider therapy even if you are not required to do so. Therapy is a good way to get strong mentally. Professional help can help you solve the problems that lead to such a situation. They can then help you deal with such problems effectively. Think of your counsellor as your guide. They will listen to your problems unconditionally. And then suggest constructive ways to help you. This helps you get your life straight.
Undergo rehab
Again this might be a compulsory step that you have to take depending on your legal situation. Even if you are not obligated to do so, if you feel like your alcohol addiction is out of hand, undergoing rehab can be worth it. Alcohol can be cancer in life if it gets out of hand. And just like any other ailment, the chance of recovering is increased when you go to a professional. There are lots of good rehab programs for alcoholics which can help you get your life back on the right track.
Can going to rehab change your life dramatically? It might, depending on how seriously you take it. However, does your life need such a startling change? Sometimes, you can only bring meaningful change in your life with big decisions. Rehab is an extremely individual decision. Before you decide to do it, talk with your family and friends.
Reanalyze your social situation
Peer pressure isn’t just a problem with teens. The company you keep often ends up influencing you. Whether you like it or not. If alcohol is the sole bond between you and your friends, you need to change things up. This can feel impulsive and be distressing. You will probably tell yourself that you can scale back the alcohol while maintaining your relationships.
You might be able to do it. However, it can be quite difficult and often not something that can be achieved. At the end of the day, you might find yourself with a bottle of wine before you’d know it. Look for social activities that are devoid of alcohol. Engage in community work and group activities. Do whatever helps you keep sober and most of all keep company with people who avoid liquor.
Conclusion
Driving again after such a harrowing experience can be stressful and comes with all kinds of emotions. Guilt over a bad decision, frustration with the legal process, and relief at the thought of being able to drive again. If you have ever been convicted of a DUI charge, know that it is not the end of the world. The road to recovery after a DUI conviction is not an easy path. However, it is not impossible either.
