The state of Utah continuously deals with the serious problem of alcohol addiction and alcoholism. There is no end to the devastating effects that alcohol addiction can create in the communities of Utah, destroying lives daily. The need for alcohol rehab and alcohol treatment in the area has never been greater.

Alcohol treatment and alcohol rehabilitation in Utah offers individuals who are struggling with alcohol addiction and alcoholism a way out of the dwindling spiral of addiction. Treatment makes sense, and individuals can receive the proper guidance and care to confront their condition and get to the root of how they became addicted to alcohol in the first place. Effective alcohol treatment and alcohol rehab in Utah give individuals hope that they can lead a sober and happy life. Through alcohol treatment and rehabilitation individuals can get their lives in the right track and mend important relationships.

For individuals who have abused alcohol for an extended period of time, physical withdrawal will occur when they suddenly quit drinking alcohol. Withdrawal is often a tough and painful process to endure, and can be potentially deadly. Individuals in Utah who do seek treatment can be assured that an alcohol rehab can successfully get them through this process. At an alcohol rehab they can be properly cared for, which makes the withdrawal process much smoother.

There are a number of treatment options offered in the state. Alcohol treatment and rehabilitation options in Utah include Long-term Alcohol Rehab Programs, Outpatient Alcohol Rehabs, Short-term Alcohol Treatment Centers, Inpatient Alcohol Rehabilitation Facilities, support group meetings, alcohol counseling, halfway houses and sober living.

Alcohol addiction and alcoholism don't have to destroy one more day of your life or the life of someone you care about. Seek alcohol treatment and rehabilitation in Utah for you or someone you know today.

Utah alcohol related information and statistics are provided by the US Dept. of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Conference of State Legislatures, 2004. Alcohol-related deaths in Utah were highest in 1984, with 140 reported. Actual deaths plummeted to 65 in 1998 and peaked again in 2000, with 107 and back down to a new low of 37 in 2005. The percentage of traffic fatalities that were alcohol related was also highest in 1984, showing 44%, and lowest in 2005, with just 13%. In 2008, out of all traffic fatalities, 17% involved a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, down from 39% in 1984.

The table below shows the total number of traffic fatalities (Tot) for the Utah, alcohol related fatalities (Alc-Rel) and fatalities in crashes where the highest BAC in the crash was 0.08 or above (0.08+). It is important to note that the Utah drunk driving statistics, as shown above, include data from individuals who were in an alcohol-related crash, but not driving a motor vehicle at the time. The U.S. Department of Transportation defines alcohol-related deaths as "fatalities that occur in crashes where at least one driver or non-occupant (pedestrian or bicyclist) involved in the crash has a positive Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) value."

The fatality rates shown below refer to the number of people killed in all traffic accidents and, separately, in alcohol related traffic accidents, per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. All 50 states in the US now apply two statutory offenses to driving under the influence of alcohol. The first (and original) offense is known either as driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated/impaired (DWI), or operating [a motor vehicle] while intoxicated/impaired (OWI). This is based upon a police officer's observations (driving behavior, slurred speech, the results of a roadside sobriety test, etc.) The second offense is called "illegal per se", which is driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. Since 2002 it has been illegal in all 50 states to drive with a BAC that is 0.08% or higher.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2003-2004, Office of Applied Studies 2003-2004 and the MADD Official Website statistics 2004

When is a driver considered to be legally drunk in Utah?

• Non-commercial drivers age 21+ are considered legally drunk when their blood alcohol level is .08 or more.
• Drivers of commercial vehicles are legally drunk when their blood alcohol level is .04 percent or greater. In Utah, school bus drivers are commercial drivers.
• Drivers under 21 are legally drunk when there is any measurable alcohol concentration in the minor's body.

Penalties for Drunk Driving in Utah

• A first-time offender in Utah faces 48 hours to six months in prison. First-time offenders are also subject to a fine of $700 to $1,000. If, however, the offender inflicted bodily injury upon another, had a passenger under 16 in the vehicle at the time of the offense, or if the offender was 21 or older and a passenger under 18 was in the vehicle at the time of the offense, the prison term is up to one year and the fine is up to $2,500. First-time offenders are subject to a 90-day driver's license revocation. The sentencing judge, however, may order an additional suspension or revocation period of 90 days, 180 days, one year, or two years if the judge finds that the offender is a safety hazard.
• A person who commits a second offense in Utah within 10 years of the first conviction faces 10 days to six months in prison. These offenders are also subject to a fine of $800 to $1,000. If, however, the offender inflicted bodily injury upon another, had a passenger under 16 in the vehicle at the time of the offense, or if the offender was 21 or older and a passenger under 18 was in the vehicle at the time of the offense, the prison term is up to one year and the fine is up to $2,500. Second-time offenders are subject to an one-year driver's license revocation. The sentencing judge, however, may order an additional suspension or revocation period of 90 days, 180 days, one year, or two years if the judge finds that the offender is a safety hazard.
• A person who commits a third violation in Utah within 10 years of the previous convictions faces up to five years in prison and is subject to a fine of up to $5,000. The driver's license revocation period is one year. The sentencing judge, however, may order an additional suspension or revocation period of 90 days, 180 days, one year, or two years if the judge finds that the offender is a safety hazard.

Enhanced Penalties for DUI that Causes Serious Bodily Injury

If a person commits a DUI in Utah and causes another person to suffer serious bodily injury, the offender faces up to five years in prison and is subject to a fine of up to $5,000.

Ignition Interlock

When a person commits a DUI in Utah and is granted probation, the sentencing judge may require the offender to use an ignition interlock device for a specific length of time that the judge finds appropriate.

Commercial Drivers

In addition to other penalties that may apply under Utah's DUI laws, a commercial driver who commits a first DUI while driving any vehicle will be disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle for at least one year. If, however, the driver was operating a commercial vehicle and transporting hazardous materials at the time, the disqualification period is at least three years. A commercial driver who commits a second DUI while driving any vehicle will be disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle for life, which may or may not be reduced to a period of not less than 10 years.

Drivers Under 21

In addition to other penalties that may apply under Utah's DUI laws, a driver under 21 who commits a first DUI will have his or her driver's license suspended for 90 days. For a second or subsequent offense within three years, the suspension period is one year. Drivers under 21 who are convicted of DUI must use an ignition interlock system as a condition of probation for a time period specified by the sentencing judge.

What is Utah's Dram Shop Act?

A licensed drinking establishment in Utah is liable for injuries suffered by third persons if it served a minor or a person who was apparently under the influence of alcohol and the person served becomes intoxicated and injures the third person. Under this statute, the total amount that may be awarded to one person injured is $500,000. If more than one person is injured, the total award for all injured persons is limited to $1,000,000. An action based on the Dram Shop Act must be filed within two years after the date of the injury. This Act, however, does not preclude any other cause of action or additional recovery against the person who caused the injury. Actions brought outside of the Dram Shop Act are not subject to the damage cap.

Criminal Penalties for Selling or Furnishing Alcohol to Minors

In Utah, it is a crime to sell or furnish alcohol to a minor. A person who violates this law with knowledge that the minor is underage faces up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. A person who negligently or recklessly sells or furnishes alcohol to a minor by failing to determine the minor's age faces up to six months in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.

Criminal Liability for Selling or Furnishing Alcohol to an Intoxicated Person

In Utah, it is a crime to sell or furnish alcohol to an intoxicated person. A person who violates this law with knowledge that the drinker is already intoxicated faces up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. A person who negligently violates this law faces up to six months in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.