September is National Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery Month, a time to celebrate the strength of individuals in recovery and to share a reminder about the dangers of impaired driving. At Maryland Auto Insurance, we are committed to promoting and encouraging safe driving habits and raising awareness about the impact of alcohol and drug use on Maryland roads.
The Science of Addiction and Recovery
Addiction is a chronic brain disease, not simply a lack of willpower. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol and drugs disrupt brain pathways that control judgment, decision-making, and impulse regulation. Recovery involves restoring these functions through therapy, support systems, and medical treatment. By understanding science, we can better support those on their journey to health and make safer choices behind the wheel.
Impaired Driving: A Serious Risk on Maryland Roads
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only dangerous but also illegal. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) outlines that impaired driving slows reaction time, reduces coordination, and impairs judgment, all of which dramatically increase the risk of crashes. Maryland law carries severe penalties for impaired driving, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. According to Zero Deaths Maryland, crashes involving alcohol or drugs led to 116 fatal crashes and over 1,600 injury crashes in 2023 alone.
Choosing not to drive under the influence doesn’t just protect you; it protects your passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians on our roads.
Resources for Recovery and Safer Roads
In Baltimore and across Maryland, resources are available for those seeking help. The Baltimore City Health Department offers opioid addiction treatment programs that include counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and recovery support services. These resources are vital in helping individuals regain control and avoid the dangers of impaired driving.
How You Can Support Recovery and Road Safety
This Recovery Month, Maryland drivers should:
- Commit to sober driving: never get behind the wheel impaired.
- Support friends and family in recovery by learning about addiction and reducing stigma.
- Promote awareness of Maryland’s impaired driving laws.
- Celebrate recovery by recognizing the courage it takes to make positive changes.
By understanding addiction, supporting recovery, and committing to sober driving, we can all help reduce impaired driving crashes and make Maryland’s roads safer for everyone.
Maryland Auto has developed resources for counselors and volunteers at recovery centers to help those who are on the road to recovery navigate the process of getting behind the wheel. As people recover from these “detours” and begin rebuilding their lives, Maryland Auto is here to provide the coverage they need to get back on the road when they’re ready. Visit mymdauto.com/recovery for more information.
