Drinking alcohol with friends might seem like a fun way to spend an evening, but it can lead to disastrous consequences. Even if you are able to keep your drinking to a minimum, you can still end up seriously injuring or killing someone. Additionally, there are several long-term issues that can be caused by drinking. Therefore, if you want to retain your health and your freedom, it is always best to either abstain from drinking while out or to always use alternative transportation.
What are the Long-Term Effects of Alcohol?
If you drink alcohol on a regular basis, you run the risk of becoming an alcoholic. Sadly, there are approximately 17.6 million Americans who are classified as alcoholics, and they all face serious health and social issues. For example, if you drink alcohol on a regular basis, you will have an increased chance of developing nerve damage, liver disease, ulcers, a vitamin B1 deficiency, gastritis, high blood pressure, permanent brain damage, sexual dysfunction and cancer of the throat or mouth.
The social ramifications of being an alcoholic are also very serious. It is common for alcoholics to deal with broken relationships and family issues, and drinking increases the risk of dealing with unintentional injuries, loss of productivity and the inability to hold down a steady job.
Why do so Many People get a DUI?
Even if you usually do not drink, you can ruin your life by getting a DUI. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, most people are unable to safely operate their vehicle once their blood alcohol content hits .05, and some people begin experiencing serious issues well before they reach that point. In other words, having a drink or two with friends might seem innocent, but if you are not used to drinking, it could very easily get you into serious trouble.
The Long-Term Effects of One Night of Fun
Drivers who are involved in a DUI will face a long list of complications. The most serious consequences will be faced by people who injure or kill someone as a result of their poor judgment, but even a simple DUI can have a ripple effect throughout your entire life. For example, according to The Wilson Law Firm, if you are convicted of a DUI in Virginia, you will have to pay between $250 and $2,500 in fines, plus legal fees, and you could lose your license. Additionally, your car insurance rates are going to increase, and your employer might terminate you. Having a DUI on your record can also present problems when you apply for new jobs in the future, and, if you are a student, it can cause you to be expelled.
Instead of letting yourself go down a bad path, you should always be responsible if you decide to drink. However, if you do end up getting a DUI charge, it is important to hire an experienced attorney to represent you. After all, without a skilled DUI lawyer on your side, your odds of being convicted definitely increase, and there is too much of your future on the line.
Melanie Fleury lost a college friend to a drunk driving incident in 1998. The Wilson Law Firm specialises in defending those who have been arrested for a DUI in the state of Virginia. If you have been arrested for a DUI, remember that every case is unique and there are many variables that need to be considered for your defence.