Being arrested and convicted for driving under the influence (DUI) can be a wake-up call to finally overcome alcohol abuse and addiction issues. But the road to lasting sobriety after a DUI is often long, rigorous and multi-faceted. Offenders must commit to alcohol assessments, treatment programs, recovery systems and behavior changes to rebuild healthy lives post-DUI.
Alcohol Assessment
The first step after a DUI is generally an alcohol assessment by a licensed professional. Assessments evaluate:
- History of alcohol or drug use
- Previous DUI arrests
- Blood alcohol content (BAC) at time of arrest
- Mental health and co-occurring disorders
- Associations, triggers and attitudes toward drinking
- Physical dependency on alcohol
Assessments determine if offenders display signs of alcoholism versus situational misjudgment. They also gauge the appropriate level of intervention needed for rehabilitation. Repeat offenders exhibiting severe alcoholism will require intensive in-patient treatment. While first-timers with no prior issues may benefit from outpatient programs and education.
Treatment Programs
Three main tiers of alcohol treatment exist:
Inpatient Facilities: Those with serious alcohol dependency and chronic relapse issues require residential rehab. Inpatient facilities provide 24/7 supervised care with medical detox, individual counseling, group therapy, education and aftercare planning lasting 30-90 days on average. The structured environment removes all access to alcohol. Costs range from $10,000-$20,000+ per month depending on amenities provided. Treatment may be covered by insurance or available on sliding fee scales.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs): For those with developing or moderate alcohol issues, IOPs deliver 9-12 hours of clinical services weekly. Through daytime or evening programming, DUI offenders obtain physical and mental health evaluations, behavioral therapies, education, self-help work and family counseling. IOPs allow clients to maintain jobs and responsibilities. They cost around $5,000-$7,000 for 6-8 weeks.
Outpatient Programs: Those with first offenses and less problematic drinking often undergo outpatient rehabilitation. Through weekly 1-2 hour sessions, DUI clients receive alcohol education, counseling, therapy techniques and relapse prevention skills. Costs range from $1,500-$3,000 for 1-3 months.
Treatment components like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy (MET) and 12-step facilitation aim to modify mindsets, identify triggers, build healthy coping skills, and establish ongoing recovery supports.
Ongoing Recovery Support Groups
To maintain sobriety post-treatment, active participation in recovery groups is vital. This includes:
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): The most well-known and accessible peer support group for recovering alcoholics. Through attending meetings, following the 12-step methodology and obtaining a sponsor, AA provides a critical ongoing network. There are no costs for membership.
Group Therapy: Ongoing group therapy focused on alcoholism recovery provides professional treatment combined with peer support. Sessions are facilitated by licensed counselors.
Sober Living Homes: These are transitional residences for those newly out of rehab. They provide structured, alcohol-free housing alongside peer group meetings and recovery coaching. Costs are often on a sliding scale.
By engaging consistently with face-to-face recovery groups, individuals build motivation, establish sobriety skills and obtain support through life’s ups and downs. Connection and accountability are crucial. Online support groups can also supplement.
Targeted Counseling for Entrenched Behaviors
Beyond recovery groups, targeted counseling equips clients with skills and mindset shifts to overcome entrenched alcohol abuse behaviors:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps identify automatic thoughts and behaviors around drinking. Clients then learn to disrupt habitual thought patterns and make conscious, positive choices.
Motivational Interviewing (MI): MI uses open-ended, probing questions to uncover a client’s motivations for change. The therapist helps strengthen commitment toward specific goals like moderation or abstinence.
Trauma Therapy: Unresolved traumas often drive alcohol abuse. Treatment modalities like EMDR and talk therapy allow people to process trauma in healthy ways, disrupting subconscious triggers.
Family Systems Therapy: Addressing family dynamics and involves loved ones directly in the therapeutic process improves support systems and reduces enabling behaviors.
Mindfulness Practices: Meditation, yoga and non-judgmental awareness teach clients how to observe urges without reacting. This builds self-control.
Medications for Addiction Treatment
Certain prescription medications help rebalance brain chemistry, reduce cravings and support abstinence. These include:
- Naltrexone – opiate antagonist to reduce rewarding effects of drinking
- Acamprosate – stabilizes chemical signaling in the brain
- Disulfiram – causes physical illness if alcohol is consumed
- Gabapentin – anti-seizure med to relieve anxiety and cravings
- Topiramate – nerve pain and epilepsy drug to curb dopamine response
Medication assisted treatment must be overseen by medical providers in conjunction with therapy and counseling work.
Keys for Lasting Change
With DUI offenders, instilling long-term sobriety requires rebuilding their identity and relationship with alcohol entirely. Key principles and practices for lasting change include:
- Personalized treatment plans based on unique risks, needs and goals.
- Addressing underlying trauma, mental health issues and causes for unhealthy coping mechanisms.
- Mastering alternative coping mechanisms to alcohol through CBT, mindfulness, etc.
- Committing to complete lifestyle change – new social circles, activities, interests etc.
- Consistent engagement with recovery support communities.
- Learning to reframe negative thoughts, self-talk and cognitive distortions.
- Establishing intrinsic motivations and urgency for change.
- Accepting alcoholism as a chronic condition requiring ongoing vigilance.
- Incorporating physical health regimens – nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene.
- Emotional growth and maturity through insight building therapies.
- Finding purpose and meaning in supporting others’ recovery.
A DUI can serve as the starting point and external impetus for finally tackling alcoholism and dependency. But internalizing new beliefs, attitudes and behaviors takes time and concentrated effort. With the right treatment plan and patient commitment, lasting sobriety is an achievable goal for DUI offenders
