If you know someone who regularly engages in drinking and driving, you are most likely concerned for their safety. Drinking and driving is a problem, and not only puts the driver at risk but also passengers and pedestrians. Read on to learn what happens if drinking and driving occurs, signs that alcohol dependency is a problem, and how Recovery Ranch PA helps those in need of rehabilitation.
What Happens When Someone Engages in Drinking and Driving
When someone gets behind the wheel after drinking alcohol, there is a risk to themselves and those around them if they decide to operate their vehicle. In the United States, laws are in place to help protect those on the road from drunk drivers. If you drive with a blood alcohol content level higher than the recommendation, you are at risk for time in jail if you get pulled over.
Drinking and driving alters your perception of distance and may impair your vision tremendously depending upon how much alcohol you have consumed. Your reaction time diminishes, making it easier for you to get into an accident if you need to stop or swerve suddenly. Even a blood alcohol content level slightly above the state limit can alter your perception. Because of this, drinking and driving are considered hazardous and against the law to partake in.
Signs of Alcohol Dependency
If you are concerned about alcohol use for yourself or someone you know, being aware of the signs of alcohol dependency is helpful. This way, if any signs are noticed, getting on track with treatment without delay is an option.
Those who drink alcohol regularly, often find that they need to drink more and more to get the feeling they desire after consumption. This is because the body builds a tolerance for alcohol, and it requires additional alcohol to get the same effects it once got from a lesser amount.
Other signs of an alcohol dependency problem include:
- A family history of alcoholism or alcohol abuse
- Becoming intoxicated frequently or binge drinking
- No longer caring about hygiene
- Increase in aggressive behavior
- Drinking alone
- Blackouts or lapses in memory due to drinking
- Using alcohol as a mood alteration means
- Hiding alcohol consumption from others
- Always engaging in alcohol consumption during public events where it is present
- Job or relationship difficulties
- Drinking and driving or risky behavior due to alcohol usage
- Loss of interest in hobbies, friends, or family
- Personality changes
Getting Treatment for Alcohol Dependency
Drinking and driving can cause injury to anyone in a vehicle where the driver is impaired. If you regularly drink and drive or know someone that does, treatment is necessary to reduce the likelihood of health and safety risks.
Recovery Ranch PA is available to assist with addiction treatment of all types, including alcohol dependency. We offer several treatment options for those struggling with alcohol abuse. Some of our addiction treatment programs include:
- Drug and alcohol detoxification centers
- Inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation
- Family programs
- Outpatient treatment
- Aftercare programs
- Alumni program
In addition, we offer therapy via many means to assist in treating addiction to alcohol. Our therapy programs include
- 12-step program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy program
- Evidence-based therapy program
- Nutrition therapy program
If you or someone you care about has been drinking and driving, it is best to seek treatment for alcohol-related addiction. Ranch Recovery PA is available to help clients over the age of eighteen get on the right path toward recovery. Reach out to us by calling us at 717.969.9126.
