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When it comes to drinking and driving, New Jersey is one of the toughest states in the country. Yet, week after week, people are convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI); week after week, they show up at DWI groups that I run to learn something about alcohol and drug abuse. 

The first two questions I ask the group are:  "How many of you know someone who has gotten a DWI?" and "How many of you thought you were too drunk to drive the night you were arrested?"

About 50% of the class will raise their hands, answering yes to both questions.  Why did they drive then?  The reason is surprisingly simple.  Every one of us has had the same thought -- "It won't happen to me."

Trust me.  It can happen to you.  You don't have to have a serious problem with alcohol.    Many people reach the legal limit of intoxication and don't even realize it.

The next question I ask is:  "How many of you fully understood all of the consequences of a DWI conviction?"  One, maybe two, hands will go up. Most have no idea.

Legally being intoxicated means having a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) higher than .10, and nearly everyone at this level or above is convicted. It does not refer to feelings of intoxication, imply staggering or slurred speech, or entail uncontrolled emotions or wild behavior.  So acting or feeling sober will not rebut the presumption of intoxication. 

The law applies to all intoxicating chemicals including prescription and street drugs. A blood or breath test is part of the evidence considered by the court. What many people don't realize is that the arresting officer's testimony can be enough to convict even if the BAC reading was below .10.  Therefore, I strongly urge people to avoid driving with any intoxicants in their system.

The cost of a DWI conviction in New Jersey is phenomenal.  When a person stands before a judge and hears him say "Guilty", this is what he'd better be prepared for:

• 6-12 months loss of license
• $250-400 in court  fines, $50 in court costs and $100 in court surcharges
• $150 for mandated education and evaluation at a county IDRC
• $400-900 for treatment, if needed
• $80 to the Bureau of Alcohol Countermeasures plus $30 to Div. of Motor Vehicles
• $1500 attorney fees (average)
• $3000 state ins. surcharges plus $720 ins. increase (average)
• $6,475 total cost-not including transportation, time lost from work and, in some cases, loss of job.

The next time someone you care about tells you, "Don't have another one.  I want to go home," and you insist on "Just one more," you're making a very powerful statement.  You're saying "I don't care about your feelings or needs.  Alcohol is more important to me than you are."

But if you do have that one last drink and are lucky enough to get home without getting caught, do yourself a favor.  The next morning go to the bank, open a savings account and make a deposit of $6000.  Because, sooner or later, that's what that "Just one more" is going to cost.

Al Gesreagan, CSW, CADC,  is the Addictions Program Director for Family and Community Services of Somerset County.
 
 

The loss of life through suicide is a tragedy, but it is especially painful when that life belongs to a teenager. All suicides challenge us to ask the question, "Why?"  Teenage suicide challenges us to explore the deeper issues associated with adolesent behavior.

 Adolescence is a time of great physical and emotional changes, frequent moodiness, heightened sensitivity, and tremendous internal and external pressures.  This can be a period of enormous turmoil for adolescents and their families. The suicide rate for adolescents has more than doubled over the past decade. In addition, suicide is the third leading cause of death among young persons fifteen to twenty four years of age.

Teenagers often experience periods of short term or longer-term depression, which can be accompanied with suicidal thoughts. They may also impulsively state that they "wish they were dead" or other similar comments in reaction to a frustrating or embarrassing situation. Often, people will feel that the teen really doesn't "mean it"and, at times, they may be right. However, any suicidal type statements should be taken seriously and explored further. 

Teenage suicidal acts are generally associated with a significant acute crisis in the teenager's life. These situational crises can include:

• the death or loss of a loved one
• a relationship breakup (this can often be a cause of intense depression)
• divorce or other family crises such as domestic violence or substance abuse in the family
• loss of status with peers or family
• any sense of failure due to internal or external pressure to achieve.

It is estimated that approximately eighty percent of individuals who attempt suicide give some previous indications. The warning signs can include:

• Sudden changes in behavior or mood
• Symptoms of depression including sadness, low self esteem, apathy, loss of interest in favorite activities, inability to concentrate, changes in sleep and/or appetite
• Acting out behavior
• Preoccupation with death
• Marked decline in school performance
• Substance abuse
• Withdrawal, becoming isolated
• Making final arrangements or giving away prized possessions
• Verbalized suicidal or death wish statements
• Death or suicide themes in writing.

In dealing with a potentially suicidal teenager, one should follow these guidelines:

• Encourage open expression of feelings
• Ask questions, show support and care, listen empathetically
• Show and communicate your concern for the well being of the person
• Do not minimize the suicidal ideation
• Do not pass judgment, moralize or offer easy solutions
• Get help.

Eric Harris,LCSW, is Executive Director of Family and Community Services of Somerset County.