5 Signs You’re Too Drunk To Drive

How Much Alcohol Is Too Much?

Every day, there are countless people that lose their life as a result of being in a car accident that was the result of a driver being drunk. Not only is the person that is driving put at risk of injuring themselves but they also run the risk of hurting other people when they get behind the wheel. Unfortunately, people that get behind the wheel of the car may not be actively aware of the fact that they have had too much to drink or they think that they can just sneak by when it comes to going “only a few blocks” to get home. 

Drunk driving is a mistake that many people make during their life. While it’s true that there are many people who incur DUI offenses as a result of having one drink too many and not as a result of alcohol addiction, there are many people who suffer from an addiction that results in serious legal issues which could have serious consequences. The question becomes what constitutes you being too drunk to drive. It’s important to note that if you plan on drinking at all, you should always have someone else who can drive you. Drunk driving is not something that should ever be considered as there is a possibility that you could harm yourself or others as a result of a car accident. 

Understanding Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

Your blood alcohol concentration is a definitive and important factor when it comes to how drunk you are. If you’re pulled over by law enforcement, one of the things that they will try to determine if your blood alcohol level. Although there are certain tests that an officer can perform in the field, one of the definitive ways to determine your blood alcohol concentration is a blood test. As you drink more alcohol, your blood alcohol concertation will continue to raise. This will inhibit your ability to not only operate a motor vehicle effectively but will also cause you to struggle with other things such as walking and short-term memory. Over time, your body will be able to break down the alcohol, however, this is typically something that will take several hours and result in a terrible hangover. During the time that your blood alcohol level is high, you will be considered too drunk to drive and should not even think about driving home or driving anywhere. 

Signs You Should Not Drive

There are several signs that you may be drunk and you should consider other options instead of driving. Here are some of the clear signs that you shouldn’t drive: 

1. Your Speech Is Slurred

Slurred speech is one of the signs that you may be drunk and shouldn’t drive. Instead of driving, you can always ask a friend or a family member that is with you to take you home. Don’t forget that there is also the option of using a rideshare service if you need to get home. This is always the best option instead of getting a DUI conviction. 

2. You Can’t Stay Balanced

Another sign that you may be too drunk to drive is if you’re unable to maintain your balance. One of the tests associated with a field sobriety test is a balance test due to the fact that alcohol will make you feel unbalanced. Therefore, if you’re unable to stand on one leg for a period of time or you’re unable to walk in a straight line, you’re likely too drunk to drive. It’s important to remember that there are people who struggle with certain ailments which makes it difficult if not impossible for them 

3. Delayed Reactions

Most people can respond quickly and effectively to a question that they are asked. They can also respond quickly to certain stimuli such as pain. If a person is displaying delayed reactions after they have been drinking, that is a sign that a person has consumed too much alcohol to drive correctly. 

4. Memory Loss

Memory loss is another key sign that you or your friend is too drunk to drive. As you continue to drink, alcohol will make the things around you fuzzy. If you’re too drunk, they will experience memory loss which can make a person forget things that they normally wouldn’t if they weren’t under the influence of alcohol. One of the reasons that memory loss is a key sign of intoxication is because drinking can make you forget how to drive correctly, where you are or how to get home. A drunk driver could cause severe damage to another driver as a result of this type of impairment. 

5. Failed Field Sobriety Test

If you’re pulled over for suspected DUI in Los Angeles, one of the first things that the police officer will do is to administer a field sobriety test. There are certain signs that the office will look for including slurred speech, whether or not you smell of alcohol, and your reaction time to certain things. The office will likely also administer a breath test which will help to determine whether or not you’re too drunk to drive. If you blow over the legal limit or if you fail other aspects of the test, you will be arrested for DUI. At this point, you will need to contact a Los Angeles DUI attorney for assistance in your case. There are many intricate details when it comes to DUI law and a DUI conviction could have a serious impact on your overall legal record and could possibly result in jail time specifically if you are a repeat DUI offender. 

Signs of Alcoholism

There are many signs that a person could be struggling with alcoholism. Here are just a few examples of the signs that a person is suffering from this disease and should reach out for help: 

Realistically, the signs associated with addiction could go on endlessly. However, once you come to a place in your life where you’re realizing that the use of alcohol is something that could be potentially deadly, it’s imperative that you reach out for help. In many cases, you will need to begin your addiction treatment in a detox program. Depending on the severity of your addiction, you may begin to experience withdrawal symptoms within just a few hours from the time that you consume your last drink. Withdrawal symptoms are unpredictable and could make it impossible for you to care for yourself. Going to a dedicated detox facility will get you the immediate help and attention that you need during these troubling and scary first few hours and days. 

On average, a detox program will last approximately seven days. After that point, you will be in a much better place both physically and psychologically to be able to address the traumatic events in your life that contributed to your addiction. This is something that is done by taking part in therapy either through an inpatient or an outpatient addiction treatment program. If you completed a detox program, you may feel more comfortable in an inpatient program due to the fact that it will provide you with the around-the-clock care that you need during this stage of your recovery. You will have unlimited access to your treatment team and be able to live on the campus of the treatment facility you choose. 

There are many other people who would prefer to commit to an outpatient program due to the fact that they have work or school responsibilities. An outpatient program is much more flexible in comparison to an inpatient program because you will be able to live at home and see to these other important responsibilities in your life. Your treatment team will work closely with you to ensure that you have the tools and resources that you need during this time. 

Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Resurgence

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, our addiction and Los Angeles DUI experts are here to help you if you are struggling with issues when it comes to consuming alcohol. We take the opportunity to get to learn every client on an individual level so that they can receive the alcohol addiction treatment that they need to tackle their addiction once and for all. For more information about the alcohol addiction treatment programs that are available through Resurgence Behavioral Health, we encourage you to get in touch with us at (855) 458-0050. Our addiction treatment specialists are available around the clock to help you get started on your journey toward sobriety. Don’t wait another day when it comes to getting the help that you need. Reach out to us today!

Here are 5 signs that you’re too drunk to drive! Call Resurgence today for top rated addiction treatment! #rehab #addictiontreatmenthttps://t.co/VzlU07WA0w

— Resurgence Behavioral Health (@RBHRecovery) April 27, 2022

Josh Chandler
After growing up in Chicago and North Carolina, Josh chose to get help with substance use disorder and mental health in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than five years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for four years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. Josh remains passionate about the field because he understands that one phone call can alter the course of a person's life.

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