It’s pretty common for people to experience depression and anxiety after a first-time DUI. But getting a DUI may result in a host of emotions—including sadness, anger, guilt, and shame. Here we take a look at what happens when you get a DUI and what you need to know to ensure you get the help you need. In some states, you can be released immediately if someone comes to jail, pays your bail, and drives you home. Other times, you may have to stay in jail until you can see a judge, who decides when you can be released. In today’s courts, if you deny the charges, plead not guilty, and try to fight the case, chances are you (and everyone else in the courtroom) will see a video of you failing field sobriety tests. This footage can be taken from the officer’s dashboard camera or from the jail where you were processed. In addition to the guilt and shame you may be feeling, a suspended license may make you feel like a burden as you may have no choice but to lean on friends and loved ones to get from one place to another. For example, if property was damaged, someone was injured, or a child was endangered as a result of your driving while drunk, the fines can be increased. In most states, you also have to pay court costs associated with your case. The length of probation varies by state. For instance, when you get a DUI in Florida, probation cannot extend beyond one year. Probation terms can change as well and may be more stringent if arrested for aggravated or felony DUI. Regardless of the terms, getting a DUI results in another added expense associated with the probation sentence. Typically, this is a monthly fee that you pay to cover the cost of administering and supervising your sentence. For repeat offenders, jail is mandatory in most states and the terms are longer than a couple of days. If there are aggravating circumstances connected with your DUI case, such as having prior convictions, the DUI may be a felony versus a misdemeanor, which means that penalties such as jail time can be increased. A trained counselor will evaluate your pattern of alcohol consumption to determine if you have an alcohol use disorder. Typically, the evaluator will ask you a series of questions about how alcohol affects your life. Depending on the results of your evaluation, you may then be required to attend a court-approved alcohol treatment program. This program can help you better understand and remedy your relationship with alcohol. The ignition interlock device requires the driver to have an alcohol-free breath test result before the vehicle will start. The installation of these devices and the monthly fees associated with them can be very costly. Many people charged with a DUI have also been diagnosed with one or more of the following mental illnesses:
Alcohol use disorder Bipolar disorder Major depression Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
If you survived a drunk-driving crash, you may be at risk for PTSD and experience symptoms including nightmares, emotional numbness, difficulty sleeping, concentration issues, jumpiness, irritability, and hostility. There’s no shame in getting help if you think you have a problem with alcohol, mental illness, or both. Seeking counseling (which may be a mandatory part of your DUI sentence) can help you cut back on or quit drinking and offer strategies for coping with the emotional trauma that can accompany a DUI. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Getting a DUI may also result in emotional consequences such as depression or PTSD, which affects your mental health. Seeking help for alcohol addiction can be a good first step to not just resolving any existing issue with alcohol, but also to show the court that you take your DUI seriously—and that you’ll do what it takes to not drive drunk again. There was an error. Please try again.
