From the Recovery Advocate Sue Blodgett

During the first week in October, a young Hudson Valley resident was sentenced to time in prison for the death of a friend. He didn’t use a gun or a knife; he drove his car, after drinking – the friend was a passenger. I have enormous sympathy for those with addictions; I believe addiction to alcohol and other drugs is a disease. It is impossible, however, to feel sympathy for those who make the choice to get behind the wheel of a car after drinking. The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services sponsors a campaign called “Safe and Sober.” In a pamphlet, were the following troubling statistics: ·Almost one of every two persons will be involved in an alcohol-related crash in their lifetime! ·According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, since 1981 there have been 181,800 alcohol-related crashes: nearly one every 20 minutes, every day, every year, in New York State. ·During 1995,* there were 7,863 alcohol-related crashes and more than 400 fatalities on New York State highways. ·The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concluded that alcohol-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities cost more than $45 billion in lost productivity during 1995 nationwide. Remember: Don’t drink and drive Back