I like to think that I am a responsible person. I go to work every day and I pay my bills on time. I don't lie or cheat or steal. I stay drug free and healthy except that I consider myself a wine connoisseur . I love studying wine, drinking wine, talking about wine, shopping for wine, tasting wine, etc. But now, I do it very responsibly and cautiously. I never drink and drive and hire a taxi service in advance if I go out. I don't let my friends drink and drive either. I will pay for their taxi if necessary, to keep them safe.
Throughout my twenties I was a bartender and I drank a lot more hard liquor. I never considered my drinking to be a big deal until I was arrested for a DUI. Part of my fine was to complete an online alcohol class. I was so ashamed that I took the 30 hour course. I wasn't looking forward to it thinking it would be preachy and boring.
However, to my surprise it was exactly the opposite. I learned so many things that I never knew before, and it inspired me to look at my drinking behavior. In some ways I am glad I got that DUI. It changed my life for the better and I was spared a far worse experience.
Showing posts with label alcohol and DUI class. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alcohol and DUI class. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
My Son is Very Lucky He Got to Take an Alcohol Class
My son is very lucky. He did not get jail time for his DUI conviction. He also did not lose his job. He did however, lose his license for a year and I refuse to give him rides. He can take the bus, walk, or borrow a bicycle.
He was ordered to take alcohol awareness classes. Since he was unable to attend a local class he is taking them online. The classes are good since they go into detail about the risks of DUI. My son needs to learn how dangerous it is to get behind the wheel of a car if he has been drinking.
The night he spent in jail was a wake up call for him but I believe more education will help. The classes also helped me see what I need to do to help without nagging but setting good limits since he still lives at home. We are learning to be different which means there is a lot more communication and honest conversations.
Indirectly, as a result, my husband has completely given up alcohol. This is good role modeling and leadership. I'm proud of them both.
He was ordered to take alcohol awareness classes. Since he was unable to attend a local class he is taking them online. The classes are good since they go into detail about the risks of DUI. My son needs to learn how dangerous it is to get behind the wheel of a car if he has been drinking.
The night he spent in jail was a wake up call for him but I believe more education will help. The classes also helped me see what I need to do to help without nagging but setting good limits since he still lives at home. We are learning to be different which means there is a lot more communication and honest conversations.
Indirectly, as a result, my husband has completely given up alcohol. This is good role modeling and leadership. I'm proud of them both.
Monday, February 25, 2013
The New Way to Take Alcohol Drug Courses
When you are ordered by the court or your current employer to attend an alcohol awareness class, you may wonder how you will fit it into your busy schedule. Now, there is a new way to attend these alcohol classes. You can take them online from the comfort of your home.
With online alcohol classes, you log onto the website and take the course at your convenience. Whether you have to take an 8 hour, 10 hour, 12 hour, 16 hour, or 24 hour alcohol course, you can do this online. The courses cover topics about drinking and driving, how to handle stress and emotions, treatment approaches etc.The classes are accepted throughout the nation for many courts and there are websites that offer a 100% money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the class.
Once you complete the online course, you are mailed a certificate of completion that you can take to your court hearing or to your employer. Not only are the classes interesting and cost effective (since you don't have to drive anywhere) but they offer privacy and the chance to learn the material at your own pace.
With online alcohol classes, you log onto the website and take the course at your convenience. Whether you have to take an 8 hour, 10 hour, 12 hour, 16 hour, or 24 hour alcohol course, you can do this online. The courses cover topics about drinking and driving, how to handle stress and emotions, treatment approaches etc.The classes are accepted throughout the nation for many courts and there are websites that offer a 100% money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the class.
Once you complete the online course, you are mailed a certificate of completion that you can take to your court hearing or to your employer. Not only are the classes interesting and cost effective (since you don't have to drive anywhere) but they offer privacy and the chance to learn the material at your own pace.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Being Aware That You Have a Problem with Alcohol
How do you know if you have a problem with alcohol? Alcohol is a prevalent part of our culture and many people drink daily. How would you know if you have a problem or potential problem with alcohol?
If you've ever pondered this question, an 8 hour alcohol awareness class could be exactly what you need.
The rub is, you have to be open to it and self aware but you may also need more information. It isn't easy realizing that you may have an alcohol problem. Too often there are mitigating factors people use to brush away the truth and keep them in denial.
Denial is strong and may prevent you from realizing you are giving yourself the brush off. Instead of seeing yourself clearly, you might look at circumstances and make more excuses. Excuses that sound legitimate and real to you. An online alcohol awareness class can help you break this self destructive habit.
I know because I did it for years. So if you are thinking that you might need some help, but don't think you really need that much, maybe you should try the class. Why not? That way, you'll at least have more information to assess yourself more honestly.
If you've ever pondered this question, an 8 hour alcohol awareness class could be exactly what you need.
The rub is, you have to be open to it and self aware but you may also need more information. It isn't easy realizing that you may have an alcohol problem. Too often there are mitigating factors people use to brush away the truth and keep them in denial.
Denial is strong and may prevent you from realizing you are giving yourself the brush off. Instead of seeing yourself clearly, you might look at circumstances and make more excuses. Excuses that sound legitimate and real to you. An online alcohol awareness class can help you break this self destructive habit.
I know because I did it for years. So if you are thinking that you might need some help, but don't think you really need that much, maybe you should try the class. Why not? That way, you'll at least have more information to assess yourself more honestly.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Don't Risk a DUI: Take a Taxi!
Trust me when I tell you that the best $50 you'll ever spend will be on a taxi home after getting drunk. By driving home in a drunken state you are jeopardizing your life and future as well as the lives of others.
Why then do so many people avoid spending the $20-$50 it would cost to take a taxi? As a counselor for both in-class and online alcohol awareness classes I often discuss this principle with my students. Not surprisingly almost all agree they wished they had paid for a cab. They provide interesting excuses including, "I didn't have enough money on me", "I wasn't sure how to call a cab at that hour", "I didn't want to leave my car there over night", and my personal favorite, "I thought I was OK to drive".
At best, drinking and driving can result in a DUI violation which will cost you thousands of dollars. Heavy fines, increased insurance premiums, alcohol classes and counseling are only the tip of the iceberg.
At worst, you can permanently injure yourself or even kill yourself and others due to the "excuses" that allowed you to drink and drive. Imagine how the rest of your life would look if you killed your best friend or another innocent person because you were too cheap to take a cab ride? I have looked into the eyes of people with these stories. The regret and despair are unshakable.
Next time you are out on the town and know you have had too much to drink, please do the most responsible thing and call a taxi. Just think how fun a karaoke cab would be!
Why then do so many people avoid spending the $20-$50 it would cost to take a taxi? As a counselor for both in-class and online alcohol awareness classes I often discuss this principle with my students. Not surprisingly almost all agree they wished they had paid for a cab. They provide interesting excuses including, "I didn't have enough money on me", "I wasn't sure how to call a cab at that hour", "I didn't want to leave my car there over night", and my personal favorite, "I thought I was OK to drive".
At best, drinking and driving can result in a DUI violation which will cost you thousands of dollars. Heavy fines, increased insurance premiums, alcohol classes and counseling are only the tip of the iceberg.
At worst, you can permanently injure yourself or even kill yourself and others due to the "excuses" that allowed you to drink and drive. Imagine how the rest of your life would look if you killed your best friend or another innocent person because you were too cheap to take a cab ride? I have looked into the eyes of people with these stories. The regret and despair are unshakable.
Next time you are out on the town and know you have had too much to drink, please do the most responsible thing and call a taxi. Just think how fun a karaoke cab would be!
Friday, November 23, 2012
A DUI Can Make Your Insurance Rates Skyrocket
With the cost of living so high already, and the economy in turmoil, you have to do whatever you can to save money and protect your future. You think things are tough now, try adding the increase in auto insurance premiums if you get a driving under the influence (DUI) violation.
With the bombardment of information you know that drinking and driving is both illegal and dangerous. You also must know that getting a DUI is expensive. Not counting all of the fines and fees for alcohol classes and attorneys, one place that will continue to hit your pocketbook month after month is auto insurance.
As a counselor for alcohol awareness classes, I often discuss the effect of a DUI on insurance rates with my students. Can you guess who sees the biggest increase? The answer is minors. Get a DUI and be under the age of 21 and if you can even keep your insurance, you are looking at an increase of $1,500 per year!
One DUI class student became a high-risk driver and his insurer boosted his premiums by $450 per month. While that may seem exorbitant the average increase is 20-40%.
Do yourself a favor and save money on insurance. Don't drive after consuming alcohol.
With the bombardment of information you know that drinking and driving is both illegal and dangerous. You also must know that getting a DUI is expensive. Not counting all of the fines and fees for alcohol classes and attorneys, one place that will continue to hit your pocketbook month after month is auto insurance.
As a counselor for alcohol awareness classes, I often discuss the effect of a DUI on insurance rates with my students. Can you guess who sees the biggest increase? The answer is minors. Get a DUI and be under the age of 21 and if you can even keep your insurance, you are looking at an increase of $1,500 per year!
One DUI class student became a high-risk driver and his insurer boosted his premiums by $450 per month. While that may seem exorbitant the average increase is 20-40%.
Do yourself a favor and save money on insurance. Don't drive after consuming alcohol.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Use Your IPad to Take an Alcohol Awareness Class
New smart phones and tablets are certainly wonderful devices. Now you can do things that you used to only be able to do with a computer or laptop anywhere.
If you've been arrested for a DUI or other alcohol related offense, you might be required to take an alcohol class. Did you know that you don't have to sit in a room with a bunch of other people to take this class? Many judges allow you to take the class online. And because of the advances in technology you can actually take the class using your iPad.
This means that instead of having to be stuck going to class every night and taking precious time out of your day driving back and forth. You can take the class wherever you are right from your iPad. As long as you have internet access your alcohol awareness class is just a click or touch away!
If you've been arrested for a DUI or other alcohol related offense, you might be required to take an alcohol class. Did you know that you don't have to sit in a room with a bunch of other people to take this class? Many judges allow you to take the class online. And because of the advances in technology you can actually take the class using your iPad.
This means that instead of having to be stuck going to class every night and taking precious time out of your day driving back and forth. You can take the class wherever you are right from your iPad. As long as you have internet access your alcohol awareness class is just a click or touch away!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
An Alcohol Awareness Class Can Save You on Car Insurance
It might seem very strange that the idea of taking an 8 hour alcohol awareness class will save you money on car insurance. But once you understand what you're going to learn in an alcohol awareness class, you'll see how you'll get the savings.
First, when you take an alcohol class, you're going to learn the very severe consequences of drinking and driving. A DUI is going to cost you a lot in terms of both money and time. You'll more than likely lose your license, have to pay a huge fine, spend some time in jail and be required to take an alcohol awareness education class.
But something will follow you for the rest of your life and that's a very high car insurance bill. After a DUI your insurance costs go up astronomically. This means you'll be paying thousands of more dollars per year.
Once you understand all this, you'll be more careful when you drive. You'll be less likely to drink and drive and you'll save lots of money in insurance costs.
First, when you take an alcohol class, you're going to learn the very severe consequences of drinking and driving. A DUI is going to cost you a lot in terms of both money and time. You'll more than likely lose your license, have to pay a huge fine, spend some time in jail and be required to take an alcohol awareness education class.
But something will follow you for the rest of your life and that's a very high car insurance bill. After a DUI your insurance costs go up astronomically. This means you'll be paying thousands of more dollars per year.
Once you understand all this, you'll be more careful when you drive. You'll be less likely to drink and drive and you'll save lots of money in insurance costs.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Alcohol Class Could Save You from a DUI
With all of the advertising and education on how horrible the combination of drinking and driving is, it is a wonder that people continue to do so. The statistics are alarming.
People die and lives are ruined. This does not happen once in a blue moon. This happens every day. This happens every hour. This happens every 15 minutes! And these facts aren't hidden, we all know the terrible statistics.
So, the big question is why do people continue to drink and drive? As a counselor for both in-class and online alcohol classes I often discuss this very subject with my students. As almost all of them have had an alcohol-related incident, everyone in the room can speak about their problems and experiences. Some have gotten a DUI and many others have driven while drunk but weren't caught.
Many report believing they were "ok". It is very common for drinkers to underestimate themselves as we know by now that alcohol affects judgment. Have you ever convinced yourself you were safe to drive? If you answered "yes", take a second to think about why you do it.
There is no good reason to drink and drive. Do not ever let yourself believe it is okay and that you can manage to get behind the wheel without any risks. Either you will eventually get into an accident and possibly kill yourself or somebody else. Or you will be arrested and thrown in jail. If that happens to you, consider yourself very lucky.
People die and lives are ruined. This does not happen once in a blue moon. This happens every day. This happens every hour. This happens every 15 minutes! And these facts aren't hidden, we all know the terrible statistics.
So, the big question is why do people continue to drink and drive? As a counselor for both in-class and online alcohol classes I often discuss this very subject with my students. As almost all of them have had an alcohol-related incident, everyone in the room can speak about their problems and experiences. Some have gotten a DUI and many others have driven while drunk but weren't caught.
Many report believing they were "ok". It is very common for drinkers to underestimate themselves as we know by now that alcohol affects judgment. Have you ever convinced yourself you were safe to drive? If you answered "yes", take a second to think about why you do it.
There is no good reason to drink and drive. Do not ever let yourself believe it is okay and that you can manage to get behind the wheel without any risks. Either you will eventually get into an accident and possibly kill yourself or somebody else. Or you will be arrested and thrown in jail. If that happens to you, consider yourself very lucky.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Alcohol Class Could Save You from a Bar Fight
Do you have a story of a friend, family member or colleague who did something stupid while they were heavily intoxicated? I bet you do. Alcohol has different effects on different people, but one thing it has in common with all who drink heavily and get very inebriated is that it causes you to do dumb things.
Have you ever been in a bar-fight? If you have, I bet you were drunk. As a counselor for both in person and online alcohol classes, 100% of my students who admitted to being in a bar fight also admitted drinking heavily at time.
Alcohol decreases inhibitions while simultaneously intensifying our emotions. This is why many people cry or fight while intoxicated. Sometimes they say things too, like how much they love someone, or how much they hate someone. Basically, the truth can come out.
It also increases the tempers of some drinkers. This is the difference between the "happy drunk" and the "bad drunk." The best way to steer clear of a bar fight is to not visit bars and not consume alcohol. If you do go, do not get overly inebriated so that your cooler head will prevail if provoked.
Have you ever been in a bar-fight? If you have, I bet you were drunk. As a counselor for both in person and online alcohol classes, 100% of my students who admitted to being in a bar fight also admitted drinking heavily at time.
Alcohol decreases inhibitions while simultaneously intensifying our emotions. This is why many people cry or fight while intoxicated. Sometimes they say things too, like how much they love someone, or how much they hate someone. Basically, the truth can come out.
It also increases the tempers of some drinkers. This is the difference between the "happy drunk" and the "bad drunk." The best way to steer clear of a bar fight is to not visit bars and not consume alcohol. If you do go, do not get overly inebriated so that your cooler head will prevail if provoked.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Alcohol Classes or Banning Booze on Campus?
This is the sixth in a series of blogs looking at the problem of binge drinking on college campuses. As a counselor for both in-class and online alcohol classes I have many college students attending our alcohol classes. Some are them are in class for minor in possession (MIP) violations, while others have incurred driving under the influence (DUI) or other alcohol-related problems.
Every one of these students attest to the fact that binge drinking is rampant on campus. So the question begs to be asked: what should be done? Should college campuses be dry? Should alcohol awareness classes be mandatory for incoming freshmen?
We know that adolescents have been given the clear message that alcohol consumption is not healthy. So, what is the motivation for a student to drink unsafe amounts of alcohol despite knowledge of its harmful effects?
There are a lot of alcohol education programs in the U.S., additionally there are even online alcohol classes available to this tech savvy generation. Students know that binge drinking is high risk behavior that drastically increases the possibility of harmful consequences such as sexual assault, violence, drunk driving, and future alcohol dependency. If those are not frightening enough how about the fact that for most, alcohol consumption is illegal!
These students know the risks and how they can get in trouble with school authorities and the law. So why do they they persist in binge drinking anyway? That will be the subject of the next entry into this blog series.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Alcohol Classes Keep People Sober and Save Lives
The best way not to kill anyone after drinking and driving is to have never consumed a drink in the first place. I believe that alcohol awareness classes, administered often and at an early age, beginning at 11 or 12, will help reduce future alcohol consumption and drunk driving.
Less alcohol consumption means fewer DUIs and fewer fatal accidents caused by drinking and driving.
New research shows that in 2010, more than two-thirds of the 10,228 drunk driving deaths (7,145 or 70 percent) involved drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15 or higher.
The most frequently recorded BAC among all drinking drivers in 2010 fatal crashes was .18, more than twice the legal limit in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. On average, there was one alcohol-related death every 51 minutes.
Not surprisingly, the age group with the highest percentage of drivers with BACs of .08 was 21 to 24 years old. The alcohol impairment rate among drivers in fatal crashes in 2010 was four times higher at night than during the day.
A higher percentage of fatal crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers occurred on weekends (31 percent), compared to 16 percent during the week.
What do these statistics mean? I challenge my loyal readers to let me know. Do you think alcohol classes will help keep people sober and thus save innocent lives?
http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1078518_most-drunk-driving-deaths-caused-by-drivers-with-twice-legal-bac-limit
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