If you have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) charges, then the next few years of your life can be very rough. Depending on the jurisdiction, you may lose your license, have to pay a big fine or even spend time in jail. Depending on your job, you may face repercussions, and you may find it very difficult to get auto insurance. Yet, getting a DUI does not have to be the end of the world, and it can be a great opportunity to get your life back on track. Here is what you need to do.
Get Legal Representation
Chances are that you may be an emotional wreck. You are probably in no shape to defend yourself in the court system. You may need a reputable DUI lawyer to help you out. They are often experts at finding ways to beat or lower the charges that you will have to pay. There may even been certain other consequences that you’d be facing—such as community service or jail time—that you’d need their help negotiating. Depending on the case and its specific details, your legal representative may even be able to get you a plea bargain.
Find Your Support System
Many people find that they feel depressed after getting a DUI. Some individuals can rely on their family to help keep them away from liquor and their spirits up. Others will need to find friends that are willing to stick by their side. Still, others may need to develop a new support system because everyone in their current system is a drinker. Remember that you may not be able to drive, so you may have to make alternative transportation arrangements.
As you go about creating your support system, do your best to be humble. If you admit that you have a problem and are working on it, others will be more inclined to help you out. Generally, though, most people would rather make sure their friends get home safe at night than let them drive drunk. If you can still drive and are still in the habit of drinking, make sure that you know who you can call to be your designated driver before putting yourself in situations where you’d need to figure that out last-minute.
Get Sobriety Help
After realizing how much your DUI charges have messed up your life, it may be time to stop drinking. You may need to get help from a local community group of people who have been there before you. Alternatively, you may need to get treatment away from home for a while. Your medical doctor may also help you develop a treatment plan. Regardless of your plan, realize that you have to make a commitment to live by it.
Learn Your Social Triggers
Everyone has their own social triggers that make them want to pick up a drink. One type of trigger that people commonly need to avoid is a certain place that they hang out when drinking. Other people find that they need to avoid certain people because they will offer them a drink or drive them to want to drink by their actions. It may also be time to clean house allowing you to get rid of anything that reminds you of alcohol. Learning your social triggers and avoiding them can help you stop drinking.
Getting your life back on track after a DUI is not easy. Look on it as a chance to get back what you have given away to liquor. Your friends, family and community are counting on you to succeed.
