If you get into legal trouble because of drinking and driving, it seems like your world has come to an end. You are understandably upset because of your involvement with the courts and ashamed that you got yourself into this situation in the first place. There is a way through this. It involved really knowing what alcohol does to you and then taking the steps to get back in control.

Alcohol and Your Brain

Alcoloh has a profound effect on your brain. Just being aware of what it is actually doing to you when you drink excessively can be the impetus to change. Here are some of its dangerous effects:

• Short-term memory slips
• Even worse: Long-term memory damage
• Still worse: Blackouts, during which nothing is recalled afterward
• And especially important when driving or operating heavy equipment: Impaired body-mind coordination.

Computer imaging of the brain actually shows in a visual manner the damaging changes that are caused by drinking alcohol. Changes to the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, cerebellum, and hippocampus have been observed.

In addition to being detrimental to your cognitive function, which impairs your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, alcohol can adversely affect other parts of your body as well. Excessive drinking can lead to liver disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and digestive problems.

A Discreet Way Forward

On important step to rid yourself of this situation is to fulfill the decisions of the court, including any online drug and alcohol course mandated. If you have been ordered by the court to complete certified coursework on substance abuse, anger management, or effective decision making, be sure to do so. Tou may be afraid or ashamed at first, but realize this is part of the road back. Fortunately, many of these courses can be competed discreetly online and fully satisfy court requirements.