By, Frank Lindner, MS, LMHC
St. Patrick’s Day in America conjures up thoughts of going to parades, enjoying ethnic food and perhaps drinking a few beers with friends. Many of these pleasurable experiences will find people away from home, and if drinking is part of the festivities for any holiday or occasion, plans should be made for transportation, such as a non-drinking designated driver.
In the work I do preforming evaluations and treating individuals who have been arrested for DWI, I can tell you people from all walks of life have made the mistake of driving under the influence.
On any holiday law enforcement is expected to increase traffic patrols on the lookout for drunk drivers in an attempt to prevent alcohol related crashes and fatalities. If you drink and drive your chances of of being caught are greater than ever before. The STOP-DWI Law has increased both enforcement and prosecution of drunk drivers. State and local police are doing blanket patrols and checkpoints to aid in the apprehension of drunk drivers.
These efforts not only effect people who are addicted to alcohol, but also the social drinker who may have one too many, and fails to exercise good judgement and have a plan to safely get back home. I recommend making plans for how you will return home before arriving at celebrations where alcohol will be served. It is also a good plan to have back-up strategies for your plans because sometimes situations change. It can be a good idea to designate a sober driver and a back-up sober driver before going out. You may also program cab numbers into your cell phone’s speed dial in case your designated driver plans fall through.
Have a safe and enjoyable celebration this St. Patrick’s Day, and remember if addiction is a problem, treatment and recovery are attainable. Coming to terms with addiction can mean a return to a meaningful, beautiful life, and being the complete person we are all meant to be.
Frank Lindner, MS, LMHC helps adults, children and teens to develop coping skills and changes in thinking for dealing with issues such as Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Stress, Codependency and other issues that affect us from day to day. He is among New York State OASAS certified providers which form the nation’s largest and most diverse addiction treatment system. Frank is qualified and is approved by OASAS to do assessments for DWI cases. He can be contacted by phone. Dial (631) 473-0405