I was in a car accident 24 days ago because I was DUI of alc****. In the state I live in, the legal limit to operate a vehicle under the influence is 0.08% BAC. My BAC was 0.24%. My entire life changed. I am 23 days sober. However, the cravings are real today, it’s only 1030am, and they’ve been bad since the weekend. My birthday was last week and the accident happened about a week before my birthday. I got my police report 3 days ago. This is when the reality of things hit me… I spoke with a lawyer this morning who told me it will cost $3,500 from start to finish with the possibility of me still going to jail or being placed on house arrest. I am terrified of losing my job… I finally found a place of employment that I LOVE going to every day. I have wonderful coworkers who aren’t living just for drama. I’m humiliated, ashamed… I feel guilt and horror… I keep replaying the accident in my head. I have nightmares. I don’t know how to move forward, or forgive myself. I feel like I’m frozen in time.
It is normal what you are feeling because you are a human being who is suffering from the outcome of a stupid choices. I have been there. (Got 2 DUI s from alcohol😔) and I’m STILL going through the outcome of my stupid choices. But what I have learned is that every single time I have a set back, I learn something from it and I try to be as gentle with myself as I can. But trust me the first few months after my first DUI I was a COMPLETE mess. I didn’t stop drinking after the DUI because I didn’t want to face reality so I went on a binge after that and made everything so much worst!!
You should give yourself a hug or a pat on the back for being strong enough to stop and not making the situation worst.
Keep your mind busy as much as you can. Listen to a podcast or something.
Also after I drink I find myself coming up with so many crazy scenarios, so many what if this happens what of that happens. Freakn anxiety gets a hold of me and that’s it. I’m on the anxiety/depressed roller coaster.
But honestly NONE of the what ifs EVER really happen.
It happened. But this little HICCUP in life DOES NOT DEFINE YOU.
It’s tough facing uncertainty but often the torture we put ourselves through is worse than the actual outcome. Control what you can and work on staying sober for today. Podcasts, YouTube, exercising, reading here, AA, sobriety books. All of those things can help you set the tone in your brain for the day. I wish you well
I feel your emotional pain. I also had a DUI accident 2.5 years ago. It’s what got me into recovery and I use it as motivation to keep going. We can’t undo the past and we can’t forsee the future. The outcome is going to be what it is and you’ll face that when the time comes. Keep focusing on what you can do today to help your situation and if that’s not picking up a drink, then it’s a huge win. What helped me was going in front of the judge with proof that I went through IOP and continued with AA meetings. I did everything I could between the day of the accident and my court date to prove I was on the right path. My outcome would have been much different if I had picked up a drink. In the AA promises, it says…we will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.
Thank you for saying this. I am practicing better self-control every day… Trying to find interest in new hobbies and learning to love myself… I haven’t taken on a program, But I am strongly considering it as of late.
Thank you. I am trying. The more days that pass, The harder it seems to be… I feel lost and lonely… That’s the hardest thing for me to battle right now.
Thank you. I’ve been reading a lot lately… I forgot how much I enjoyed a good book.
Thank you. It terrified me to realize how quickly life can be flipped upside down. 30 seconds and I lost everything… My struggle is accepting what is and moving on as a sober person with a clear head and heart.
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. Today I am meeting with an attorney for a free consultation to discuss my case. I am taking deep breaths and trying to think of the most positive outcome in this situation.
Good morning friends. I have an appointment with an attorney to discuss my case. I’m unsure of what type of questions I have to ask to ensure I will get the best service. Can anybody guide me in the right direction? This is very last minute, as my appointment is in less than 20 minutes. But if anybody sees this and can light the path… I always have the opportunity to phone him later with any questions That might be suitable. Thank you so much in advance. 