If you recently got arrested for drinking and driving, you may worry about how a potential conviction could affect your finances, job prospects and reputation. At this point, you could face time in jail, the loss of your driving privileges and the requirement to pay a large fine.
In North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, you face these consequences if you drove a vehicle with a blood alcohol content level at or above 0.08%. To manage the emotional impact of a DWI arrest, the following strategies can help you move forward and effectively manage your stress.
Work on forgiving yourself
After you get arrested for DWI, you may feel guilty for your actions and replay the situation over and over again in your head. Although you may experience a variety of emotions, work on forgiving yourself and remember that everyone makes mistakes.
Talk to a professional
Getting arrested for DWI and facing a conviction can take a toll on your mental health. Consider talking to a counselor or therapist about your experience and what you are going through.
Take care of your physical health
It is easy to fall into poor health habits during periods of high stress. However, you should make taking care of your physical health a priority. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly and focus on eating a balanced, nutritious diet.
Although getting arrested for DWI can bring on feelings of fear and uncertainty, the situation can provide an opportunity to take a clearer look at your life. By managing your stress and taking steps to cope emotionally with what lies ahead, you can help yourself move forward.