Alcohol is a common and accepted substance. However, it can be abused. Often, when individuals engage in binge drinking, they will allow themselves to make dangerous choices and engage in risky behavior. One such danger is driving while drunk or under the influence of alcohol. Doing so is a chronic problem across all states and a major cause of death and injury. If you or someone you know has driven while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it is likely you have a concern about the repercussions of this action. Knowing the difference between DUI vs. DWI is important when it comes to the laws involved with impaired driving. If the issue of DUI vs. DWI becomes an incident that affects you or a loved one, treatment is available for addictive behavior.
Knowing The Difference Between DUI vs. DWI
DUI is the acronym used for “driving under the influence” of drugs or alcohol. DWI means “driving while intoxicated”, limiting the term to alcohol. The terms used vary from state to state. For example, in Pennsylvania, the term DUI is what is used. Police and authorities there use DUI when someone is pulled over and found to be driving after using drugs or alcohol. It becomes an issue when the individual is still feeling the effects of the drug or alcohol, thus impairing their ability to operate the vehicle. However, some states use the term OWI, which means “operating while under the influence” of drugs or alcohol.
How to Tell If Someone Has an Addiction to Drugs or Alcohol
Driving while under the influence is just one issue that someone who is dealing with an addiction may experience. Most people do not take the risk of getting behind the wheel if they are impaired, however, there are isolated incidents that do not constitute that addiction is a problem. Some signs that indicate an addiction is likely to be an issue include:
- Change in behavior including a change in who someone spends time with
- Noticing that someone isolates themselves instead of spending time with friends and family
- Taking risks while drinking (such as drinking and driving, or sexual promiscuity) that aren’t normally an issue
- Constantly thinking about drinking or engaging in drug use
- An increase in sick time from work or school
- Anxiety, depression, or guilt caused by drinking or doing drugs
- A change in hygiene because of drug or alcohol use
- Health problems that were not present before
- Physical changes such as bad breath, pallor, weight loss, or gain
- Relationship or job problems as a result of alcohol or drug use
Getting Treatment If DUI vs. DWI Is an Issue
If you or someone you care for is regularly driving under the influence of alcohol, or if an arrest has already been made for this type of behavior, treatment is necessary to address the use of drugs or alcohol before getting behind the wheel. At Recovery Ranch PA, we have many programs to help with rehabilitation, therapy, and aftercare. Some of our programs include:
- 12-step program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy program
- Evidence-based therapy program
- Nutrition therapy program
Our facility is situated in Wrightsville, PA, and overlooks the Susquehanna River. We provide services to both men and women who are eighteen and over. Our substance abuse treatment centers address the following addictions:
- Alcohol addiction treatment center
- Heroin addiction treatment center
- Meth addiction treatment center
- Opiate addiction treatment center
- Dual diagnosis treatment center
If you are concerned about DUI vs. DWI repercussions, and you believe alcohol or drug use has become addictive in your or a loved one’s life, give us a call to find out more about our facility. Call us today at 717.969.9126.
