It’s 10 p.m. and you’re driving home from a party. You had a few drinks, but you don’t think you’re over the legal limit. Suddenly, you see flashing lights in your rearview mirror. You pull over, heart racing, and the police officer asks you to step out of the car. He asks if you’ve been drinking and you admit that you have. The officer asks you to perform a field sobriety test, which you fail. He tells you that you’re under arrest for DUI and you will need to complete an alcohol and drug evaluation.
You’re taken to the police station and given a breathalyzer test, which you fail. Finding yourself in a situation like this can be terrifying, but luckily there are a number of ways to avoid everyone’s greatest fear: going to jail. The officer tells you that you will need to complete an alcohol and drug evaluation with a professional clinician. You’re feeling scared and embarrassed, but you know that you need to face the consequences of your actions. During the evaluation, the clinician will ask you about your drinking and drug use habits. They will also ask you about your family history of substance abuse and mental health.
They will want to know if you’ve ever been treated for addiction or mental health issues in the past. The clinician will also ask you about your current situation and why you think you were pulled over. After the evaluation, the clinician will give you a recommendation for treatment. This could include outpatient therapy, inpatient rehab, or a 12-step program. They will also recommend that you attend DUI classes and install an ignition interlock device in your car. If you follow their recommendations, you will be able to get your DUI charges reduced or dismissed.
Making it to and completing an alcohol and drug evaluation sets you up to more than likely undergo a program that will help you avoid jail altogether and in some cases even clean up your record if you find yourself in a good position and use the resources which are being given to you to the greatest benefit that you can.
There are many treatment programs available that don’t require the person to go to jail. These are typically called alternative sentencing or rehabilitation programs. There are a number of different types of rehabilitation programs, but they all share the common goal of helping the person to overcome their addiction and become a productive member of society again.
One type of rehabilitation program is called an inpatient treatment program. This type of program requires the person to live at the facility for the duration of the program. Inpatient treatment programs usually last 30 days, but there are some that can last up to 90 days. During an inpatient treatment program, the person will receive 24-hour care from a team of professionals. The team will work with the person to help them overcome their addiction and to develop a plan to stay sober after they leave the program.
Another type of rehabilitation program is an outpatient treatment program. This type of program allows the person to live at home while they receive treatment. Outpatient treatment programs typically last for 12 weeks. During an outpatient treatment program, the person will meets with a counselor on a weekly basis. The counselor will help the person to identify the triggers that cause them to use drugs or alcohol. The counselor will also help the person to develop a plan to stay sober after they leave the program.
There are also several 12-step programs available which don’t require the person to go to jail. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are two of the most well-known 12-step programs. These programs are based on the premise that addiction is a disease that can be overcome with the help of a higher power. The 12 steps of these programs are designed to help the person to come to terms with their addiction, make amends for the harm they have caused, and develop a plan to stay sober after they leave the program. No matter what type of rehabilitation program you choose, it is important to remember that recovery is a lifelong process. Relapse is a part of recovery, but it doesn’t mean that you have failed. If you do relapse, it is important to get back on track as soon as possible. Rehabilitation programs can give you the tools you need to overcome your addiction and lead a sober life.
In the United States, addiction is often seen as a character flaw or a personal failing. This stigma can make it hard for people suffering from addiction to seek help, because they may feel ashamed or embarrassed.
This stigma is unfair and unfounded. Addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failing. It is a chronic, relapsing disease that affects the brain and body. People with addiction cannot simply stop using drugs or alcohol on their own; they need treatment and support to recover.
Sadly, the stigma around addiction often keeps people from getting the help they need. This needs to change. We need to destigmatize addiction and provide more support for those suffering from this disease.
If you would like more information on alcohol and drug evaluation or to set up one for yourself, be sure to call us at 1-800-683-7745 or visit us at www.aacsatlanta.com
