Any driver who is addicted might be a risk to other road users. A good number of drivers struggle with alcohol or drug addiction, and they do not get the needed help for themselves.

When you know how to identify the signs of an addicted driver, it can be helpful in assisting them to get treatment.

Here are some of the signs that a driver is addicted

Poor decision making

When someone is addicted, they are less likely to make the right decisions. If a driver who is addicted to drugs or alcohol is behind the wheels, they might not make the appropriate choices. And this can negatively affect other road users.

Isolation

Addicted drivers carry out their habits in isolation, without anyone’s knowledge. They prefer to stay around people who abuse drugs, alcohol or other habits. Their addicted lifestyle can prevent them from having smooth relationships with their family and friends.

Poor motor and coordination skills

Another way to know that a driver is struggling with addiction is their poor motor and coordination skills. They might find it more difficult to obey the basic rules of driving because their addiction has impaired their ability to do so.

Taking drugs or drinking while driving

Addicted drivers are more likely to indulge in their addictive habits before or when they are on the road. Most of them know that these actions might have damning effects on them, but they choose to overlook it because of the pleasures that come with these substances.

Hence, if they happen to take these substances often not minding if they are on the road or not, then they are addicted.

If you observe that any driver is addicted, it is important to suggest professional addiction treatment help for them. When they go for treatment, they can get all the help they need to live a sober life again, and become less of a risk to other road users.  

Alcoholism, is also known as alcohol use disorder, is a chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking and preoccupation with alcohol. Furthermore, it is an addiction (inability to control drinking) due to both a physical and emotional dependence on alcohol. 

In the united states, the excessive use of alcohol is the fourth leading preventable cause of death. Over time, the excessive use of alcohol leads to the development of chronic diseases and some other serious problems such as;

• LIVER DISEASE

The liver is particularly at risk of damage as alcohol is metabolized there and it produces a toxic substance called acetaldehyde.

Excess drinking of alcohol affects the liver metabolism of fats while excess fats store up in the liver. Other effects of alcohol on the liver are long-term inflammation which can lead to scar tissue.

• CANCER

Cancer is not gotten through carcinogenic materials only; the excessive use of alcohol can increase the risk of developing different types of cancer.

The more drinks were taken, the greater the odds of cancer for the individual involved in alcoholism. According to statistics, drinking alcohol causes more than 100,000 cases of breast cancer worldwide every year.

• ACCIDENT AND INJURIES

A lot of road accidents, domestic violence, drowning, and suicide happening around today can be attributed to alcoholism. Driving after excessive use of alcohol impairs the driver thereby causing a greater severity of injury with an accident. 

• IMMUNE SYSTEM DYSFUNCTION

Excessive use of alcohol does harm by weakening the immune system, making the body vulnerable to infections. Each series of excessive drinking reduces the body’s ability and strength to fight against infections and diseases. 

• DIABETES

The curvilinear relationship between alcohol consumption and diabetes is a bit too complex. That is, the higher the volume of alcohol consumes, the higher the risk of diabetes.

The concept of drinking and driving began in 1872 as a law was passed to its effect.

From then, it became an offense to drive any automobile or carriage while under the influence of alcohol. In 1925, this law was amended. It was amended that anyone driving any vehicle under the influence of alcohol is also guilty of the law. 

In 1962, there was a formation of the Road Traffic Act. It regulated the legibility of drivers plying the road. In 1965, the United Kingdom announced a new law that will regulate drinking and driving.

This law was called the “drinking and driving law” As the times evolved, new methods for checking drinking and driving came into place. One of them is the introduction of breath testing in 1983. 

As more automobiles were created and the dangers of drinking and driving increased, the drinking and driving act was reviewed. In 2004, the maximum penalty for drinking and driving increased. The prison term increased to 14 years.  

Staying away from drinking alcohol before driving is one of the foremost lessons taught to drivers within the United Kingdom. This rule is instilled into the consciousness of every driver. It is to prevent drivers from falling prey to the penalties attached to this offense. 

Here are some of the reasons why you should not drink and drive in the United Kingdom:

• It is dangerous and deadly. 

In 2017, about 8600 people were involved in car accidents where the driver was drinking and driving. Driving under the influence is deadly and is not advisable. 

• You will face lots of penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol. You could face 3-6 months in prison, a driving ban, a lasting criminal record. 
• Other reasons include suffering as brands, insurance, and other companies will want to have nothing to do with you. The spontaneous effect of alcohol could make you do dangerous things. 

Depressants – also known as “downers” – “come in multicolored tablets and capsules or in liquid form,” and are supposed to “reduce the symptoms of mental illness.” As a result, these are oftentimes prescribed for those who struggle with anxiety – and/or other stress-related disorders – in addition to difficult sleep disorders. In turn, since these types of drugs are known as “downers” they do the exact opposite of what “uppers” would do, by slowing down the functions of the body. An example of this can be seen in patients who experience high levels of anxiety, as the prescribed depressant can help in the slowing down of brain activity. 

However, what many fail to realize is just how much of a problem this can be for those who are addicted to them. Not only that but when many think of depressants their minds automatically redirect them to pills, rather than to alcohol. This is due to the fact that some may be unaware that alcohol is a depressant, or they may not think of it as one since it is so common within today’s society. In turn, this can be cause for it to slip right over their heads. In fact, “Alcohol is classified as a Central Nervous System depressant, meaning that it slows down brain functioning and neural activity.” 

Consequently, this can be just as dangerous as “uppers” because while stimulants can increase heart rate, “downers” can slow it all the same. Therefore, it’s important that those addicted to depressants get the help that they need earlier rather than later. For some of the short term effects are listed as follows; “fatigue, slowed pulse and breathing, fever, lowered blood pressure,” etc. Now even though these symptoms are short term they can worsen with time as the individual continues to use the depressant. 

Another myth that many may still view as fact is that depressants slow down one’s functions so that he/she has little to no energy? But that’s wrong. For depressants such as alcohol provide “those associated with immediate bursts of energy after a sip.” Yet even in doing so, “the user’s vital functions inevitably slow down.” In conclusion, no matter whether the depressant comes in pill form or liquid form, it is important that the addict rids the substance from his/her life. It is only then that he/she can save himself/herself from the risk of injury, or death. He/she can then live an addiction-free life without the harsh effects of substance abuse. 

While some prefer staying indoors, others prefer “a night on the town”－no matter whether it comes in the form of the bar, club, or to a sports grill for half priced drinks and appetizers. Consequently, it makes little difference where one goes because even the non-drinkers will find themselves surrounded by liquor through something as simple as picking up a menu. Or even seeing back-to-back ads on cheap beer. But, what happens when trying something new leads to one drink too many, and one night out turns into every night out, as one stumbles home from the bar in a drunken stouper at two a.m. for the fifth time in that week.

Sadly, when one begins to drink in excess it begins to not only affect themselves, but the lives of those around them, as unfortunate accidents begin to take place. In an article by The Telegraph from 2018 titled, “British women now among top drinkers in the world,” we see how much of an impact drinking has made not only on the UK as a whole, but certain demographics, such as gender. In the piece, one passage reads, “One study found women with a university degree are twice as likely to be problem drinkers, compared with those with less education.”

In turn, this goes to show how much of a significance that certain factors have on individuals especially if they are impacting them in a stressful way, rather than benefiting them. Some of these factors could be related to their career, education/school, family, trauma, and/or other situations and circumstances that may be affecting them in a negative way. It is then that they find their mental, emotional, and physical well being in jeopardy, as through alcohol, no matter the brand.  

In fact, according to the same article as stated previously, “Few countries saw trends similar to those in the UK, though in Sweden, women are drinking more than men, with 3.1 drinks a day for women, compared with 2.7 for men.” These statistics are alarming but something that individuals who suffer from alcoholism can fix. However, in order to do such they must eliminate binge drinking from the source by first gaining a deeper understand of themselves by asking one of the most important questions of why do they drink? What triggers them to act in unhealthy drinking habits? In doing so, they can begin their journey on the road to recovery a whole lot better, and regain their life back.   turn to substance abuse in response to the problems that they may be facing in that of their personal lives.

In conclusion, research shows just how much alcoholism is taking a toll on that of the UK, not just in that of the male gender, or a specific age group, but in woman as well, no matter the age. It is through these studies that one can better understand what is taking place within bars, clubs, etc. as an increase in alcohol begins to take over at an accelerated rate. As a result, it is with this information than one can further his/her knowledge, and understand how to help, rather than to isolate those who are struggling with addiction.

Alcoholism is a prevalent condition in the United Kingdom. UK citizens and residents have embraced a culture of alcohol consumption unlike most of the world has ever known. In the United Kingdom, alcohol consumption is far more socially acceptable than in the rest of the western world. It dates back many centuries to when Anglo Saxon ethnicity was just beginning to rise in power and enormous revelries made of food and alcohol and debauchery were customary in celebrating victories and special occasions, as well as in preparing for conflict. In modern times, however, what was a more noble convention has evolved into complete recklessness, with alcoholism at an all time high.

The cases of alcoholism within the United Kingdom in recent years have sky-rocketed within recent generations. Cases of alcoholism used to be more selective, but the latest harmful alcohol trend to come out of the UK is that of young alcoholics. The party mentality is so prevalent in the UK that younger and younger people are being diagnosed with alcoholism and liver problems. Deaths due to alcohol poisoning are among the highest in the world in the UK. Rehabilitation centers and addiction treatment facilities are overflowing with clients. Clearly, the cultural trend of drinking has taken a turn for the worse in the UK and needs to be brought under control.

There is a great deal of attention being placed on the UK’s drinking problems in the media in recent times. There has been a call to action for people within the UK and outside of it for change. Many cultural problems are resulting from the immersion in alcohol consumption that the UK is in, such as a strain on police and emergency resources who respond to incidents of intoxication and alcohol poisoning, unsafe roads due to drunk driving problems, and in general, a less functional society that is not as productive and healthy as it should be in a number of ways. A major cultural shift is needed in order to get the United Kingdom sober, healthy and functional once again.

Alcohol is its own culture and way of life in the United Kingdom, so much so that other cultures, even ones that do not have that much exposure to the outside world, know of the United Kingdom’s reputation for alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a deeply ingrained tradition in the United Kingdom’s history and overtime it translated into the modern day phenomenon that it is now. For the average resident of the United Kingdom, alcohol consumption is simply a way of life, and few of them question it.

People in the United Kingdom learn early in life that pubs are a happening scene. Pubs are by far the most social venues in the United Kingdom. They are in many other countries and regions as well, but the people of the United Kingdom take it to a whole new level. Far more events are held in pubs drinking, or held at venues that serve alcohol, than in other countries or regions. People join in on the culture of drinking in the United Kingdom in order to be social. People naturally gravitate toward the most lively haunts, and in the case of the United Kingdom, this is overwhelmingly in pubs, drinking socially.

In the United Kingdom, alcohol is the primary expression of celebration and joy. It is a cultural instinct for people from the United Kingdom to include alcohol in all revelries, such as parties, graduations, sporting events, major milestones and many other special occasions. Alcohol is also frequently consumed by residents of the United Kingdom simply as a pass time and a means of being social. Alcohol consumption is more socially acceptable in the United Kingdom than in other places. This, in itself, is not problematic. How much alcohol people consume in a certain region is determined by their cultural practices. However, more cases of alcoholism, health problems and liver failure have also been observed within the United Kingdom than in most other countries, which would indicate that the United Kingdom’s cultural embrace of alcohol may be unhealthy on a large scale.

https://youtu.be/xRzEmIU8Bro

Measures are being proposed in the United Kingdom to bring the drunk driving problem under control. There is still a long road ahead of the United Kingdom before the problem will no longer be an epidemic, but the government and its affiliated health organizations are implementing positive strategies that aim to make the roads of the United Kingdom a safer place to drive. The primary initiatives include but are not limited to the following:

• The integration of new laws. It is well recognized that when people perpetually break a law, it means they do not have a great deal of respect for it. By creating harsher legislation to penalize drunk driving, there is more incentive for people to find an alternative way of commuting other than driving. The United Kingdom is attempting to model its drunk driving laws after other countries that have had success with their DUI laws, such as the United States and Canada.
• Strong enforcement of these new laws is vital to ensuring that they are taken seriously. Drunk driving laws are enforced by an increased police presence during common drunk driving hours as well as random check stops along popular drunk driver commute routes. Every jurisdiction that has tightened up their drunk driving laws, publicly campaigned for them and properly enforced them has seen a significant decrease in the number of drunk driving charges.
• It is only logical to take measures that aim at reducing alcoholism and substance abuse, which is the root cause of drunk driving problems. Every case of drunk driving is an instance of alcohol abuse. This means that the United Kingdom needs to increase the presence of addiction, substance abuse and alcoholism treatment in the form of counseling and rehab, as well as local community resources such as support groups and shelters.
• It is important that all of these new measures be properly communicated to the public. This is its own kind of campaign and effort. Information needs to be distributed through the media and through public bulletins making citizens aware that changes to laws and local resources have been made. This way the public can implement change into their own thinking as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLmG5ljPSEE

There is hardly any other society in the world that has stronger associations with alcohol consumption than the United Kingdom does. The British, Scottish, Welsh and some of the Irish make up the United Kingdom, and together they have created a reputation for themselves around the world for excessive alcohol consumption. While this may not necessarily be something to be proud of, it is certainly an old part of their culture. The countries within the United Kingdom have been drinking for millenniums, sometimes in moderation and sometimes in excess, but alcohol has always been present.

The United Kingdom’s history with alcohol is a rich one. Beer containers that date back over 10,000 years have been discovered by archaeologists, indicating that alcohol consumption has been present in the United Kingdom’s culture for a very long time. We know that a number of ancient societies drank alcohol more than they drank water because the drinking water was unclean. The United Kingdom’s alcohol traditions are also heavily tied to their wars, battles and revelries over the centuries. They evolved from societies that were known for having alcohol feasts in celebration of victories. During the Roman Invasion, wine became a staple in the United Kingdom and different cultures emerged over different alcohols.

There have always been two different natures to the United Kingdom’s relationship with alcohol. The elite drank in moderation while the populous drank in excess. Sometimes these roles were reversed, but generally speaking, one can see this culture present in modern times as well. With few exceptions, the high society of the United Kingdom continues to drink in moderation, but the working class is more out of control with their alcohol intake than ever before in history. There are a few plausible reasons for this.

Only several decades ago saw the official fall of British Imperialism with the apartheid in British colonial societies coming to an end. Great Britain was essentially demoted as a world power, which shook its collective confidence in its world standing. This was the culmination of several centuries of Great Britain losing its standing as the chief world power. This statistically causes depression and anxiety within a culture, which statistically prompts people to drink heavier. Alcohol is much stronger than it used to be in the past, so a culture with a long history of alcoholism is only going to find itself more plagued by alcoholism. Combine these factors with the gloomy weather and lack of vitamin D in the United Kingdom and you have the perfect recipe for out of control alcoholism.

Drunk driving in the United Kingdom has historically been a major problem. This region of the world has a reputation for alcoholism and substance abuse problems, and this epidemic is transferred onto the road safety statistics of the region. In recent years, there has been an outcry for a stronger enforcement of sober driving, as well as a stronger alcoholism treatment network in the United Kingdom. The tourism industry has even felt the effects of the drunk driving problems in the UK as tourists express concerns over driving on the same roads that other drivers, who are obviously intoxicated, are driving on. Advancements are slowly being made to end drunk driving charges and reduce road fatalities. Currently, the challenges that law enforcement, government and health organizations face is illustrated in the statistics below:

• In the United Kingdom, approximately 85-percent of drunk driving charges are issued to men. Women are much less likely to drive drunk.
• Currently, there are approximately 92,000 drunk driving charges issued per year in the United Kingdom, which is an improvement on the drunk driving crisis of the 1980’s that resulted in nearly 120,000 drunk driving charges per year.
• Currently, there are approximately 22,500 drunk driving fatalities that take place in the United Kingdom annually. This is an immense improvement on the 37,500 fatalities that were caused by drunk driving in the latter part of the 1980’s. Although there is still a great deal of fatalities to eliminate, this does show gradual improvement.

Progress is being made, however, the people living within the United Kingdom and those visiting it have naturally expressed safety concerns over vehicle travel. The government and its health organizations are responding with initiatives to come up with harsher drunk driving laws, diligently enforce said laws, make alcohol less available for sale and offer more in the way of alcohol addiction treatment. New legislation and health initiatives are currently being drawn up and tested to combat this lethal and pervasive problem of drunk driving in the United Kingdom.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS_KmA5BysI