They drive while drunk or high

Intoxicated driving represents one of the most serious safety crises in addiction. Your parent may drive while obviously impaired, make excuses about their ability to drive safely, or minimize the risks they're creating. This isn't just dangerous for them - they're putting innocent people at risk of serious injury or death. The legal, financial, and moral consequences of intoxicated driving can be devastating, yet addiction impairs their judgment about these risks.

If they're about to drive while intoxicated:

• Take their keys if it's safe to do so
• Offer alternative transportation immediately
• Call 911 if they're actively driving impaired
• Contact other family members who might intervene
• Call a taxi, rideshare, or friend to drive them

If they're already driving:

• Call 911 immediately with their location and vehicle description
• Don't attempt to follow them - this creates additional danger
• Alert family members about the situation
• Document the incident for potential legal proceedings

Never do these things:

• Get in the car with them when they're intoxicated
• Enable by providing money for rideshares after they've chosen to drive drunk
• Cover up legal consequences that result from their intoxicated driving

1. Remove access when possible: Take keys during active intoxication periods

1. Document incidents: Keep records of intoxicated driving for potential legal intervention

1. Contact law enforcement: Report dangerous driving patterns to protect the community

1. Explore legal options: Consult attorneys about involuntary commitment or guardianship if pattern continues

1. Install ignition interlock devices: Some states allow family members to request court-ordered installation

1. Work with their probation officer: If they have DUI charges, coordinate with legal supervision

1. Consider vehicle removal: In extreme cases, removing access to vehicles entirely

Legal reporting obligations:
In some jurisdictions, you may have legal obligations to report known intoxicated driving, especially if you're aware of habitual patterns that endanger public safety.

Insurance implications:
Intoxicated driving can void insurance coverage, leaving you potentially liable for damages if you own the vehicle they're driving.

Criminal liability:
Providing vehicles or keys to someone you know is intoxicated can create criminal liability in some states.

Documentation importance:
Keep detailed records of incidents, including dates, circumstances, and any attempts you made to prevent intoxicated driving.

They will likely become extremely angry if you prevent them from driving while intoxicated. They may accuse you of overreacting, controlling behavior, or not trusting them. Law enforcement involvement often escalates family conflict initially but can provide the external consequences needed to address the behavior. Legal consequences from DUI arrests sometimes motivate treatment more effectively than family intervention alone.

IMMEDIATE SAFETY:

• 911 for active intoxicated driving
• Local police non-emergency line for reporting patterns of dangerous driving

LEGAL GUIDANCE:

• DUI attorneys for understanding legal options
• Family law attorneys for guardianship or involuntary commitment procedures

ONGOING SUPPORT:

• East Point Behavioral Health: (855) 887-6237 - Crisis intervention and family safety planning
• Local victim advocates if accidents have occurred