It’s normal for adults to relax with a drink or two. However, a fun day or night can turn into a scary situation when you see a police officer’s flashing lights behind you. With each state, including Maryland, adopting per se laws, registering a BAC (blood alcohol level) of .08 or higher provides sufficient evidence for the police to charge you with a DUI.
Maryland’s alcohol abuse assessments and programs
In Maryland, the details of your DUI dictate whether you must complete assessments and attend courses about alcohol abuse. The exact duration and number of substance abuse education courses you’ll take depends on the severity of a DUI and whether you’ve had prior DUI convictions. Generally speaking, most judges see someone with prior DUI convictions as an individual needing more education about abusing substances.
However, being guilty of a DUI doesn’t guarantee that you have an alcohol problem. Someone can drink alcohol for the first time and receive a DUI charge.
Signs that may indicate a drinking problem
If you suspect you have a problem with drinking, you’re not alone. According to data from 2021, about 29.5 million U.S. adults struggle with alcohol use disorder annually. Here are common signs that are better indicators of if you have a drinking problem:
- Your alcohol tolerance is higher than it used to be.
- You feel a compulsion to drink alcohol frequently.
- Your loved ones express concern about your drinking.
- You put duties or priorities on hold for alcohol.
While time-consuming and inconvenient, Maryland’s DUI assessments and courses have and continue to help many in the grips of addiction. Alcohol is never worth endangering your life and the lives of others.