Many individuals who have been arrested for multiple DUI
offenses in Sacramento, California have an alcohol addiction problem.
Incarceration and other penalties fail to address the underlying causes of
these DUIs in the state. For instance, a fourth DUI conviction can result in a
driver being labeled a “habitual traffic offender” with the person’s driver’s
license being revoked for three years. Habitual traffic offenders are required
to complete a driving under the influence program. But, do these programs really
work? Do they help habitual traffic offenders quit alcohol for good?
At the end
of the day, individuals have to be committed to quitting. For some, a DUI
conviction is the “wake up call” or “bottoming out” that motivates them to
begin their recovery journey. Are there resources in Sacramento, California to
help individuals facing repeat DUI convictions? And, what programs may be able
to actually help DUI multiple offenders?
1.
18-Month
Multiple Offender Program. Northern California has an 18-month
multiple offender program which helps DUI drivers identify the source of
their habitual behaviors and assists them on the road to recovery. Individuals
are provided with group sessions where they discuss their behavior and are also
provided with individual counseling. During these sessions, individuals explore
what drives them to drink in the first place. Individuals are also provided
with educational resources as they complete the program.
2.
“Transitions” programs. For individuals
who have been incarcerated for their DUI or who faced more serious vehicular
homicide charges, transitioning back into society after serving time can be
difficult. Nationwide, transitions programs have been found to be successful in
helping inmates get the treatment and rehabilitative resources they need to succeed
once they rejoin society. Yet, access to these programs depends largely on
where you live. In Colorado,
for instance, the transitions program focuses on personal responsibility,
decision-making, and life skills to help inmates transition more easily to life
outside of jail. Offenders often leave jail feeling that they have the tools
and resources they need to either quit drinking or to curb their repeat DUI
behavior.
3.
Alcoholics
Anonymous. AA offers one of the largest
networks of support groups for recovering alcoholics. The program supports
abstinence from alcohol using its 12-step method. AA offers a range of groups
that cater to women, men, and people of all ages and backgrounds.
4.
Counseling,
social workers, and other addiction treatment services. No single treatment
method works for everyone. It can be helpful for some individuals to address
the underlying factors that drive them to drink and drive. Community
counseling, social workers, and other addiction programs may be able to help
individuals come to terms with why they drink and thus curb the habit.
It is important to remember that
alcohol addiction is a disease. As such, disease prevention and treatment
models have been found to be successful in helping individuals avoid future DUI
charges. Unfortunately, when individuals are charged with DUIs in Sacramento,
California, the state too often utilizes a punitive approach, which
criminalizes individuals who may be suffering from alcoholism. The Law Office of Dick Margarita offers DUI defense in Sacramento, California, and may be able to assist you in accessing
important resources if you’ve been charged with a DUI.
Call The Law Office of Dick Margarita at 916-248-8570 or visit www.dickmargaritalaw.com.
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