How to Care for Your Mental and Physical Health After a DUI

Driving while under the influence of drugs is a thing that everyone knows they shouldn't do. However, that isn't always the case. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 11.7 million people drove under the influence of selected illicit drugs in the past year. After an event or party, it can be tempting to ignore the obvious and drive yourself home. Unfortunately, this can lead to thousands in fines, jail or prison time, a DUI intervention course, and a conviction that feels like it will last forever.

The Health Effects of a Criminal Conviction

You will probably feel worse even than the day you saw the docket with your name on it, starting with “The United States vs.” A criminal prosecution is designed to make the defendant feel alone. And it will succeed. You will find out who your friends and family are after your conviction, and some of the people you lose will hurt. Seek professional counseling before you hit rock bottom, because it's a lot harder to crawl out afterward.

Actively Face the Consequences

DUI's consequences include forfeiture of your driving privileges, termination of employment, increased interest rates, and loss of educational opportunities. You will struggle with feelings of hopelessness after your DUI conviction and even with an assignment to a DUI intervention course. It may be tempting to shell up and avoid these consequences, but it won't help. Facing the consequences of DUI, as harsh as they are, will make them last shorter and be less damaging than making the law come after you and force you to take them. The punishments for evading the penalties that come from DUI are worse by far than facing the penalty, to begin with.

Take It Seriously

The good news, though it may not feel like good news at some moments, is that you're alive. A DUI intervention course will help you with skills that encourage better behavior. Being free from drugs will help with some of the legal consequences and help you get back to your life sooner.

DUI is a serious crime, and people driving under the influence of drugs are subject to serious penalties, both legal and personal. They need to be taken seriously, but they don't need to ruin your life. However, you won't have to deal with them at all if you don't test them. If you know you have a substance abuse problem, intervention classes and rehab taken before you get caught driving while under the influence are better than rehab taken after. Contact Restoration House - Texas Alcohol and Drug Offender Education Services if you need assistance.