Getting arrested for DWI might seem like the end of the world. This might be your first criminal arrest. You’re afraid your boss, neighbors, friends, and family will find out. You don’t think of yourself as a bad person, but you now face the prospect of time in jail and other penalties.
A DWI conviction is a significant roadblock for anyone. But as you wait for your criminal case to get resolved, there are steps you can take to put yourself in a winning position for the rest of your life. It is possible to bounce back from a DWI arrest, and our Houston DWI lawyers explain how.
Address Your Substance Abuse Problems
Now is the time to be honest with yourself about whether you are suffering from addiction. Was this the first time you’ve driven drunk? Or was it the first time you got caught? In our experience, most people charged with DWI have driven drunk before. They simply evaded detection.
Seek out substance abuse treatment with an open mind. There are many treatment options available, including outpatient treatment, and you should talk with a counselor to learn more in depth.
In a way, a DWI arrest can be a life-changer—if you take advantage of the opportunity to finally address chemical dependency.
Manage Your Triggers
This is a big one. Many people don’t want to drink as much as they do, but certain things “set them off” and they reach for a bottle. Whatever sets you off is a trigger, and you need to learn how to manage them.
For some, being with extended family is a trigger. The only way to get through the holidays is to have a few drinks—or a bottle of wine. For others, their job is a trigger. The only way to deal with crippling stress is to drink heavily in the evening.
If you can’t manage your triggers, you can’t overcome an addiction. Of course, that’s easier said than done. But even if you can’t completely eliminate triggers, you should learn how to manage them. Limit time with people who cause stress. And develop a game plan for finding more fulfilling work.
Improve Your Physical Fitness
Drinking too much leads to excess weight and other health problems. Even worse, many people see their mood nosedive due to chemical dependency, obesity, and lack of exercise. This creates a vicious circle, where they drink just to get through the day because they feel so terrible.
We won’t exaggerate the benefits of physical fitness. It isn’t a cure-all for depression, anxiety, or addiction. But committing to get in shape:
- Gives you something to think about other than your DWI case.
- Gives you some measure of control over your life at a time when you feel like you don’t have any.
- Shows that you can make positive changes in your life.
- Helps you meet new people when you might feel isolated from friends and family.
Hire Tad Nelson
In the weeks following a DWI arrest, you might feel like your life is spinning out of control. You can take control of the situation by hiring a seasoned DWI attorney. Tad Nelson is an experienced DWI attorney in Houston who has beaten countless DWI charges. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.
