The state of Vermont is currently battling the serious problem of alcohol addiction and alcoholism. There is no end to the destruction that alcohol addiction can create in the communities of Vermont. The need for alcohol rehab and alcohol treatment in the area has never been greater.

Alcohol treatment and alcohol rehabilitation in Vermont offers hope that individuals that are affected by alcohol addiction and alcoholism can make a change. Through alcohol treatment and rehabilitation, individuals can receive the proper guidance and care to confront their condition and get to the root of their addiction. Effective alcohol rehab and alcohol treatment in Vermont can give individuals a real second chance to lead a sober and happy life. Alcohol doesn't have to be a crutch, and through alcohol rehab programs and treatment, individuals can achieve their goals and mend important relationships.

For those who have abused alcohol for an extended period of time, physical withdrawal may occur when they suddenly quit drinking alcohol. Withdrawal can be a tough and painful process to endure, and can be potentially deadly. Individuals in Vermont who want to put an end to their addiction to alcohol and seek treatment can be successfully assisted through this process at an alcohol rehab facility. Here, they can be properly cared for which makes the withdrawal process much smoother.

There are a variety of alcohole rehab programs available in Vermont. Alcohol treatment and rehabilitation options in Vermont include Long-term Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs, Outpatient Alcohol Rehabs, Short-term Alcohol Rehab Programs, Inpatient Alcohol Rehabilitation Facilities, support group meetings, alcohol counseling, halfway houses and sober living.

Alcohol addiction and alcoholism can destroy your life and ultimately kill you in the end. Seek alcohol treatment and rehabilitation in Vermont for you or someone you know today, before it is too late.

Vermont 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. The highest number of drunk driving deaths in Vermont occurred in 1986, with 77 fatalities reported. Alcohol related deaths have dropped dramatically since then to a low of 15 in 2008. The percentage of fatalities that were alcohol related has also shown a significant decline, from a high of 71% in 1986, to a low of 21% in 2008. In 2008, out of all traffic fatalities, 16% involved a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, down from 54% in 1983.

The table below shows the total number of traffic fatalities (Tot) for the Vermont, 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 Vermont drunk driving statistics, as shown below, 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 Vermont 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 Vermont?

• Non-commercial drivers in Vermont age 21+ are considered legally drunk when their blood alcohol level is .08 or more.
• Drivers of commercial vehicles in Vermont are legally drunk when their blood alcohol concentration is .04 percent or greater.
• In Vermont, although school bus drivers are commercial drivers, they are considered legally drunk when their blood alcohol level is .02 percent or greater.
• Drivers under 21 are legally drunk when their blood alcohol level is .02 or more.

Penalties for Drunk Driving in Vermont

• A first-time offender in Vermont faces up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $750. The driver's license suspension period is 90 days.
• A driver who commits a second DUI in Vermont faces up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $1,500. The driver's license suspension period is 18 months.
• A driver who commits a third DUI in Vermont faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. The offender's driver's license will be revoked for life.

Enhanced Penalties for DUI that Causes Death or Serious Bodily Injury

If a person is killed by a drunk driver, the offender is subject to one to 15 years and prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. If a drunk driver causes another person to suffer serious bodily injury, the offender is subject to one to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

Commercial Drivers

In addition to other penalties that may apply under Vermont's DUI laws, a commercial driver in Vermont who commits a first DUI while driving any vehicle will be disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle for one year. If, however, the driver was transporting hazardous materials at the time, the suspension period is three years. A commercial driver in Vermont who commits a second DUI while driving any vehicle will have his or her commercial license revoked 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 in Vermont, an underage driver who commits a first DUI will have his or her driver's license suspended for six months. The offender will also be required to participate in an alcohol abuse program. For a second or subsequent violation, the offender's driver's license will be suspended for one year or until he or she reaches 21, whichever period is longer. The offender will also be required to participate in an alcohol abuse program.

What is Vermont's Dram Shop Act?

Under Vermont's Dram Shop Act, a spouse, child, guardian, employer, or other person who is injured by an intoxicated person has a right of action against a licensed drinking establishment if the establishment caused in whole or in part the intoxication by selling or furnishing liquor to a minor, to a person apparently under the influence of liquor, to a person after legal serving hours, or to a person whom it would be reasonable to expect would be under the influence of alcohol as a result of the amount of alcohol served to that person. An action to recover damages under Vermont's Dram Shop Act must be brought within two years after the date of the injury.

What is Vermont's Social Host Statute?

Under Vermont law, a "social host" is a person who does not and is not required to hold a liquor license. Under this law, a social host who furnishes alcohol to a person under 21 may be required to pay money damages for injuries caused by the minor's intoxication if the social host knew, or should have known, that the minor was under the legal drinking age.

Criminal Liability for Selling or Furnishing Alcohol to Minors

It is a crime for a licensed drinking establishment or any person to serve alcohol to a person under 21 in Vermont. A violation of this law subjects the offender to up to two years in prison, a fine of $500 to $2,000, or both If, however, the minor is involved in a motor vehicle accident that causes death or serious bodily injury to the minor or to another person, the offender is subject to up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.