April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and a good opportunity for reminders about the legal, health, and social problems that excessive drinking can contribute to. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) has been sponsoring Alcohol Awareness Month since 1987 and seeks to boost public awareness about the significant impact that alcohol-related problems has on individuals, their friends and families, and on the community.
Alcohol and Crime:
*Drinking and driving perhaps receives the greatest amount of public attention. Drinking and driving is connected to a devastating estimate of 16,000 fatalities each year and thousands more injuries. (NCADD)
*In addition to the severe risk of potentially causing fatalities or injuries while driving under the influence, there are potentially life-changing consequences involved in receiving a DUI conviction. Please see our weblink for information about the fines and penalties for a DUI conviction in Washington State. It is important to be aware of the penalties, and it is also essential to be prepared. If you do find yourself in a situation where you are driving under the influence and being pulled over, you should know how to handle it. See our weblink for tips on how to stay safe if alcohol is involved in your plans and what to do if you are pulled over for a DUI in Washington State.
- If you are being accused of driving under the influence, contact a DUI Law Firm
*The NCADD reports a significant relationship between alcohol and multiple different types of crimes. The NCADD reports that based on victim reports, alcohol use by the offender is a factor in:
- 37% of rapes and sexual assaults
- 15% of robberies
- 27% of aggravated assaults, and
- 25% of simple assaults
*Statistics show a significant correlation between alcohol and crime. See the NCADD Fact Sheet for detailed information about this connection.
Additional Consequences of Excessive Drinking:
*Alcohol-related problems are among the most significant public health issues in the U.S., and internationally. According to the NCADD, more than 18 million individuals in the U.S. suffer from alcohol-use disorders.
*The devastating impacts of alcoholism extend to friends and family members of individuals abusing alcohol. NCADD estimates 25% of U.S. children have been exposed to alcohol-use disorders in their family. In addition, 75% of domestic abuse is committed while one or both members are intoxicated.
*Underage drinking remains a pervasive problem, putting teens at greater risk of becoming addicted to alcohol or getting involved with destructive behaviors related to alcohol (drunk driving, sexual assault, further drug use).
*Heavy alcohol use can pose serious health risks including but not limited to: heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, liver disease, digestive problems, cancer (breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon), learning and memory problems, and mental health problems (Center for Disease Control & Prevention).
Evaluating Drinking Patterns:
*The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) provides detailed information to define drinking levels, identify problematic drinking, and understand recommended drinking limits.
Treatment:
*There are a range of evidenced-based treatment options available for people with alcohol-related disorders. If you or someone you care about are experiencing issues related to alcohol use, we encourage you to seek treatment or encourage your loved one to do so. Treatment could save your life, your health, your job, your relationships, and/or your criminal record.
*Dellino Law Group is proud to recommend Northstar Treatment Group in Renton, WA for chemical dependency/alcohol and drug evaluations, victims impact panels (VIP), alcohol and drug information school (ADIS), and all courses of treatment.
*We also highly recommend CTC Counseling Services in Seattle, WA. CTC (Courage to Change) provides alcohol/drug evaluations, DUI assessments, and outpatient services tailored to meet your needs.
We recommend both of these programs because of their experience, integrity, compassion, local ownership, and scheduling flexibility.
*You may also visit the SAMHSA Substance Abuse Treatment locator to locate an alcoholism treatment specialist in your area.
*If you have questions about treatment or would like assistance in scheduling an appointment with Northstar or CTC, please contact us .
Legal Representation:
If you are being charged with an alcohol-related crime, DUI or otherwise, you will need high-caliber legal representation. These are significant charges and you should not try to tackle them without experienced counsel to advise you appropriately and advocate on your behalf.
