General Practice Attorney

If you were charged with, or convicted of, a DUI offense, you have likely undergone a traumatic chapter in your life. In the wake of a DUI conviction, many areas of your life have probably been affected. You may have lost your job or had difficulty getting a new one, been turned down for a loan, and maybe your personal relationships have suffered. Perhaps the DUI conviction was a red flag in your life, triggering you to realize that you have an addiction to alcohol and/or drugs. Though not everyone who is convicted of DUI has addiction issues, it is true for many people. It can also be considered an opportunity to make positive changes in one’s life, beginning with facing the addiction issue in order to overcome it.

Seeking Help after a DUI

If you were charged with a DUI, your DUI lawyer in Bloomington, IL may have suggested that you attend voluntary drug or alcohol counseling. In addition to this possibly helping you overcome addiction issues, it can also help your case when presented to a judge. Your attorney may have advised you that showing the court you have made proactive steps to turn your life around could result in a softer sentence. Of course, a sincere desire to abstain from alcohol or drugs is the best motivator and the strongest recipe for making positive changes. The old adage that the first step is to admit you have a problem holds true today as much as it ever has in the past.

A compelling motivation factor for quitting alcohol and drugs is the fact that with each subsequent conviction for DUI, the consequences grow ever more serious. In addition to the risk of injuring or killing yourself or others while DUI, there is also the reality that you may be sentenced to prison, lose your driving privileges, and be forced to pain exorbitant fines.

Many people who have one or more DUIs in their background have successfully sought help from addiction counselors. Twelve-step programs can also be fruitful in finding strength and community while overcoming addiction issues. Everyone is different and the ways in which an individual may be helped the most will vary from one person to the next. It may be optimal to try various methods such as attending a 12-step program as well as seeing an addiction counselor. If you are religious, a member of your place of worship may be a viable support person. Reaching out to create your individualized support network may be scary at first, but it will probably become more comfortable over time.

Those who are faced with the challenge of overcoming an addiction may find the help they need in a treatment facility. Reputable and respected treatment facilities are located throughout the United States. There may be one in your vicinity. Some facilities offer outpatient programs which allow the attendees to remain living at home and able to continue working at their job. Other facilities are structured as such that those in the addiction treatment program do not leave the premises until their program has concluded. There are also treatment facilities that balance the two options. The range of choices can allow the right fit for an individual’s needs.

If you were arrested for a DUI, consider attending addiction counseling to help you make positive changes in your life.

Thanks to Pioletti, Pioletti & Nichols for their insight into criminal law and addiction issues after a DUI.