Drunk drivers more than thoughtless; they're addicted, and need help

To the Editor:

I think we can all agree with Fred Sgambati’s sentiment that driving while under the influence of alcohol (Drunk drivers are dumb, deadly – The Kings County Advertiser, June 24, 2008) is dangerous and irresponsible. And like Mr. Sgambati, we can wish that individuals would “just take a second to consider” the risks of getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

Many who drive after a few drinks do in fact act thoughtlessly. They haven’t paid attention, they don’t know enough about the effects of alcohol use, or they don’t understand the laws about driving and alcohol in Nova Scotia. And some drivers just don’t care.

But the fact is many convicted ‘drunk drivers’ are more than thoughtless; they are addicted to alcohol. They are caught up in a painful cycle of using alcohol to prevent withdrawal symptoms; to deal with painful, traumatic, memories; to manage overwhelming distress; or to cope with the complex health, emotional, family and social problems that contribute to addiction. For these individuals, the use of alcohol is about desperation and survival. Their thinking is switched off and behaviour happens automatically.

This tendency to function on auto-pilot means that those who abuse substances often require professional help, but the shame, guilt and lack of knowledge that is so characteristic of addiction makes it very difficult to ask for service. It’s often only after a lot of damage and a judge’s order that drunk drivers are pushed into treatment AVH Addiction Services.

So it may not be reasonable to expect that addicted individuals will think before driving, but it is critical that we find ways to provide assessments and treatment earlier. And earlier interventions are possible.

We know, for example, that when health care and human service professionals simply ask a few questions about alcohol use that it’s a powerful force toward change. We also know that family members, who are always caught up in the sadness, anger and pain of addiction, can make a difference by changing the ways they communicate with and relate to the addict.

The point is we don’t need to wait for an addict to do the right thing. Professionals can start the ball rolling with a few direct questions. Family members and friends can ask for help themselves.

At Annapolis Valley Health’s Addiction Services, our doors are wide open. We welcome calls from people who want help with their own drinking. We are delighted to meet with professionals who wish to explore early intervention methods. We are pleased to meet with family members and friends whose lives are upended by the abuse of alcohol, other drugs and gambling. Our services are confidential, professionally delivered and the costs are covered by Medicare.

We also offer small, professionally-led discussion groups throughout the Valley in Annapolis Royal, Middleton, Berwick, Kentville and Wolfville that provide a place for adults to discuss concerns about their own or someone else’s drug, alcohol or gambling problems. No appointment is necessary for these groups.

Driving after the use of alcohol is dangerous, too often deadly and frequently connected to alcohol addiction. It’s not enough to hope that the addict will stop and think.

If we’re to reduce the harms related to addiction and driving under the influence, there is no need to wait for a judge to lay down the law and certainly no need for family members to wait for the addict to take the first step.

AVH Addiction Services is here to help. Learning more about our services or arranging a confidential appointment is as easy as calling 679-2392 or 825-6828.





Yours truly,

Jim Morton MSW RSW

Manager Addiction Services

Mental Health and Addiction Services

Annapolis Valley Health