Just because someone gets a DUI does not mean that they have an alcohol or drug problem. However, sometimes people do get into trouble with alcohol and/or drugs. Alcohol and drug abuse can lead to long term problems, affecting health, relationships and employment. If someone does have a chemical dependency problem, a DUI may be the beginning of the healing process. A DUI can be the trigger that directs someone to get help.
There are many different types of help someone can get for chemical dependency like alcohol and drug addictions. Treatments can range from free one-hour meetings with flexible schedules to $50,000-a-month residential lock-down treatment centers.
One of the first levels of treatment would be Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. These meetings typically run for one hour and are offered for free throughout the world. AA meetings are held at local churches, parks and community centers. They have helped countless people on their journey to sobriety. Alcoholics Anonymous uses a 12-step faith-based theology in helping people with alcohol dependency.
The next step up would be an out-patient treatment program. Out-patient programs can consist of partial days or even full day programs. The individual spends their days in meetings and working with therapist on their chemical dependency but goes home to sleep. Some outpatient programs are a couple of hours and some are all day. The price can range from free to $1,000’s of dollars.
Another option in the treatment of drug and alcohol abuse is an in-patient treatment center. In-patient programs are where the person actually lives on-site at a treatment center. It could be a house, converted hotel, or even a specially designed facility. Of course if someone is in an in-patient program, the likelihood of success goes up, and the longer the program, the greater likelihood of success. Of course live-in programs are the most expensive type of programs.
The cost of a program can be paid for in many different ways. Some are funded by the government, and others are funded by donations. Many programs work on a sliding-scale, depending on a person’s ability to pay. Sometimes people can get family members to help with treatment cost. Another way to cover the cost of treatment is through insurance. Many people have some insurance for chemical dependency but do not know about it or don’t think to use it. Of course, almost all treatment centers will accept direct payment from a person by check or credit card.
Treatment needs to be tailored to the individual. Everyone is different, and their stories are all different. Some people need help with one issue like drugs or alcohol while others need help with multiple issues like mental health and chemical dependency. If someone wants or needs help, it is important to get the right program for that person.
Treatment programs often have representatives that can work with attorneys and the courts to help craft the best possible outcome. You cannot underestimate the value of having a good attorney and a good treatment center on your team when defending a court case.
Regardless of what has happened in the past, it is important to know that if you want help, you can get it. It starts with picking up the phone and asking for help.
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