Maybe your recent arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) was just a fluke — you should have declined that refill on your glass of wine when drinking on an empty stomach, perhaps.
But could it be a sign of a more serious struggle to stay sober from drugs and alcohol? Only you can answer that question, but it should be asked and answered honestly.
Examine your relationship with intoxicating substances
You’ve always thought of yourself as a weekend warrior who puts in long hours at work and chooses to release a little steam by quaffing a few beers on the weekend or kicking back and relaxing by using marijuana.
Except lately, your use has crept into your work week, as well. You started stopping off for a drink or three with the usual work crowd. Maybe you’ve taken to getting stoned on your lunch hour. Regardless, your recent DUI should be cause to reflect on the role of drugs and alcohol in your life.
Has your intake and tolerance increased?
As people progress through the stages of addiction, the quantity of drink or drugs necessary to produce the same results increases. You may have a problem if your drug and alcohol consumption has substantially grown higher.
Conflicts in relationships with friends and family
These are the folks who know and love you best. If they express concern that your alcohol and drug usage are on the rise, they may be right. Often, addicts deny that they have a problem with drink or drugs. When loved ones try to put out the fallacies of that view, addicts may shut down and cut off those they perceive to be meddling in their lives.
Let this be your wakeup call
Your defense counsel may approach the prosecutor about a plea bargain that requires you to get help for your substance abuse. The court may even agree to defer prosecution pending completion of an accredited program.