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Just got a DUI.

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Just got a DUI.

10 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1562

Olivia,

Have you ever considered that you might be alcoholic? Its a common fallacy that only people living under the bridge are alcoholics. Unfortunately that is not the case, there are millions of us who are functioning alcoholics who do not understand alcoholism. You may visit a local AA meeting and pick up the book Alcoholics Anonymous (Big Book) or visit AA.org and read the book online. There are several workshops on the big book that was very useful in the initial stage of my recovery, I have them on the blog and you may use them.

Good luck with your recovery.

10 years ago 0 +0 / -0 33

Hi Olivia,

Thank you for coming on here and sharing your DUI story, it helps others to read your experience. Also reading of your fear of life without alcohol. I think that feeling is universal and helpful when you read someone else saying they feel that way.

MK seems smart and perceptive and I think reflects this site about supporting you with any decision you come to, whatever it is. That is what I love about this place. People just support you! They offer encouragement and I will tell you your DUI could have easily been millions of us! Millions.

I was pulled over about a month ago and I KNEW I was going to jail. Driving while under the influence was my norm, I am ashamed to say. Even more shocking to most is that I drink (when I drank) starting in the mornings, b4 work and sometimes throughout the day so for me to get pulled over anytime could be a DUI. Now that's really dumb I know, but true. Even worse, I have no insurance, no registration (tags are current thank goodness) no license, no title and I had been drinking of course. But no, I did not go to jail. Weird? Yep, I'd say. So please give yourself a break and understand you are no worse than anyone and much better than many! Millions of us should have gone to jail that didn't just by dumb luck.

Yes, you are correct when you say you shouldn't have driven while under the influence but please don't beat yourself up about it, you simply got caught and you are great for acknowledging it as a mistake and showing you want to do better and you will.

You are so young and have the opportunity to have a great life ahead of you, this does not have to be a deal breaker. Like someone said just take it one day at a time, know it will not be easy but seek support and be kind to yourself. You can make it through this and as Ashley said it can be your great blessing later on (way later on maybe as you look back), but for now just know you have great support here anytime you need it.

Stay strong and take care,

Siobhan

10 years ago 0 +0 / -0 112

Hi again!

Sorry, I realize I just assumed your goal was sobriety, and I just wanted to say that it's okay that it's not, it wasn't my goal when I was 21 and got a DUI...I just wanted to moderate. I wish I would have been on a site like this at that time, it's great you are being proactive about your problem so early on in your life! WHATEVER your goal is, be that moderation or sobriety, I hope you are able to obtain it. I couldn't imagine a life without alcohol up until about a couple years ago, and even then, I kept going back to it. I'm finally 27 and now I've decided I need to live a sober life in order to be happy and healthy. I wanted to let you know that I don't think there's anything wrong with trying moderation first, I would definitely let your friends in on it, I know they've helped me in the past when trying to moderate! And family if that's possible.

All the best!

10 years ago 0 +0 / -0 7

Thank you so much Michelle, it means a lot. I am 22 and I also know a number of people who have gotten DUI's. Right now I'm just ashamed and sad and angry at myself. I know I need help but a life without alcohol seems unbearable. Thank you for responding and for your support.

10 years ago 0 +0 / -0 112

I received a DUI when I was 21, and it was one of the worst experiences of my life. Since then, I have made the decision to drive drunk several times, until 5 months ago when I almost got caught again. I am ashamed for what I have done, but I have also forgiven myself. It's a hard thing to do, but it will come. You will eventually be able to forgive yourself and move on, and you will have a new kind of focus and motivation to stay sober. It doesn't seem that way now, and I also think you should allow yourself to feel the pain and hurt and regret you are probably feeling (been there, done that too!), you are entitled to these feelings, and this is a down time, I totally get that...and soon enough you will lift yourself up, hopefully with the help of friends and loved ones, and certainly with the help of this site, and you will be stronger for it. Good luck, and keep posting, we are here for you.

10 years ago 0 +0 / -0 5

hey Olivia- I have been there 2x's and believe me I know how it feels. the shame ,guilt, depression but the good thing is your alive and did not hurt yourself or anyone else. just take a day at a time and one foot forward at a time. Meanwhile I am sure there are lots of people who love you. stick with them

10 years ago 0 +0 / -0 234

Olivia,

Hang in there,

Things will change for you. I was thinking about you all day how you may be feeling, the stress the guilt, even the potential with drawl.

10 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11214

I'm sorry to read this overtherainbow. I can only imagine the stress you are under. I know you probably don't want to hear this now but this can actually be a good thing as it will push you to make some changes. Sometimes people do not change unless something really bad happens. The good thing here is that you said you are ok and no one was hurt so take this as a warning with some pretty bad consequences but also an opportunity. When you are ready think about how you want to move forward.

In the mean time we are here to listen and support you. You are not in this alone.

Take care,

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

10 years ago 0 +0 / -0 100

Dear Olivia,

Sorry you find yourself in such a tough situation. Who am I to judge, I've taken the same risks myself, put my relationship and my work reputation on the line and made other wrong choices. I knew I had a problem limiting my drinking for years before I woke up to the reality of how it was ruining my life. I'm doing something about that now.

What you've done is serious but not the crime of the century, you can get through this and put it behind you. Do you have an understanding friend or relative you can talk to? It might be a way to get things in proportion, including your feelings about yourself.

This site really helped me look at my relationship with alcohol, welcome, plenty of help here whenever you need it.

Sian

10 years ago 0 +0 / -0 7

Thank you, that means a lot. I'm dealing with so much guilt and shame and self-hatred and wish I could go back and change what i did. But of course I can't. I appreciate your support and you kind words. Thank you.

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Just got a DUI.