Struggling with substance use? Get help now

’Tis the season for incredibly high rates of drunken driving. One in every 10 people have a substance use issue. During this celebratory season, the risk of encountering a drunken driver increases over 100 percent.

Councilman Clayton Perry may have recently demonstrated this in his alleged hit-andrun incident. He may have more than just a passing problem with alcohol.

Substance use disorder, commonly known as “addiction,” is defined as the regular use of substances to the point of causing significant impairment, such as health problems, disability and failure to meet major responsibilities. The common refrain in rehabilitation programs is: “If you’re continuing to do something despite the negative consequences, you have a problem.”

Substance use disorder does not discriminate. It can affect people of all backgrounds. People with this disorder can’t “just stop.” Instead, the brain reacts as though it’s dependent on alcohol or drugs, despite the negative consequences. Unfortunately, the stigma associated with having a substance use problem causes many to delay getting help.

No one says, “I think I want to lose all control of my faculties today” or “I think I want to risk the lives of others.” But being under the influence of substances impairs judgment for anyone — period.

Sadly, drunken driving is a public health issue that plagues our city. In 2021, drunken drivers caused nearly 2,000 crashes in San Antonio, killing 57 people and seriously injuring 107.

If you decide to include alcohol in your holiday celebration, remember to make a plan before you drink. Find a designated driver. Schedule a ridehailing service.

Just one poor decision can change your life forever. If you are truly struggling with substances, you don’t need to hit rock bottom to change course. Reach out to a professional before that significant consequence.

Rise Recovery provides drug and alcohol recovery support to Bexar County at no cost. We provide community-based peer counseling, support groups, school-based programming at various districts and our very own recovery high school for young people struggling to stay sober. Call our helpline, 210SAY-CARE or visit riserecovery.org to get connected to recovery resources across Bexar County.

If you need help, seek it now, before the damage is irreversible. You, your family and this community deserve it.