Dr. Hoffman has successfully treated hundreds of patients battling addiction. Dr. Hoffman is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AddictionHelp.com and ensures the website’s medical content and messaging quality. These younger demographics are more likely to take risks and generally have higher rates of alcohol consumption. The seemingly simple decision to attempt to drive home after drinking instead of grabbing a ride with friends or calling a taxi or rideshare could be the last decision you ever make. During driving, the device may also require additional samples to continue driving.
Alcohol and Cancer Risk
If you get into an accident where someone is injured or killed, your actions might weigh on your conscience. If you’ve been battling alcohol addiction, the trauma of the accident can make you more likely to turn to alcohol for comfort. Deaths and injuries are the most severe outcomes of drinking and driving, but these aren’t the only potential consequences.
Increased Risk of Car Accidents & Fatalities
Misdemeanor convictions are considered crimes, whereas infractions and administrative offenses typically are not. So, if you have an underage DUI offense on your record, you should check to see if the offense is considered a crime in your state. However, a DUI conviction generally won’t disqualify you for a scholarship or admission to a university—it’s just among the factors that get considered.
What is impaired driving
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol not only endangers your life, but also those of others on the road.
- It is important that the police and judicial system have adequate resources for effective enforcement.
- According to the NHTSA, in 2021, the highest percentage of drunk drivers with BACs of .08 or more were in the age range of 21 to 34, with four male drunk drivers for every female drunk driver.
- If you are 21 and under or have a G1, G2, M1 or M2 licence you cannot have any drugs or alcohol in your system.
- For example, they drank more than intended because they liked the buzz.
Information may be dated and may not reflect the most current developments. The materials contained herein are not intended to and should not be relied upon or construed as a legal opinion or legal advice or to address all circumstances that might arise. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. RoadGuard Interlock expressly disclaims all liability regarding all content, materials, and information, and with respect to actions taken or not taken in reliance on such.
Your past actions could become a permanent blemish on your record, affecting your chances of starting anew. Anytime you’re arrested for a DUI (or any other crime) it’s important to get in touch with a qualified attorney. For underage DUIs, it’s also imperative that you consequences of drinking and driving communicate to your attorney any concerns you might have about how a conviction might affect your education, financial aid, or career opportunities.
People at increased risk
When caught, individuals can face hefty fines, legal fees, and court costs. These expenses can quickly add up and Sober living home take a toll on an individual’s finances. Depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the offense, fines can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. What you do while you drink can also have an impact on your overall blood alcohol content. Making sure that you eat a meal or some snacks, for example, keeps something in your stomach and reduces your overall blood alcohol level. Similarly, staying hydrated by drinking lots of water can help your body flush out alcohol faster and more efficiently.
The impact on society
Alcohol and aggression are closely linked, with alcohol intoxication being a factor in nearly half of all violent crimes. Alcohol can alter the activity of the prefrontal cortex, which is linked to impulse control. This can increase the risk of rash behavior and reactive aggression.
Copyright © 2025, AddictionHelp.com The information provided by AddictionHelp.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice. View our editorial content guidelines to learn how we create helpful content with integrity and compassion. Don’t shy away from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings, as joining a support group like AA can provide you with community, accountability, and encouragement from others experiencing similar struggles. Talking to someone who can guide you through understanding and addressing the question of “why” is an important tool for recovery. Therapy may also lead you to develop coping strategies to avoid relapse or future tough decisions.