How I Survived A DUI

…and you can too

[This isn’t my typical type of post and the first time I’ve publicly discussed this topic, so bare with me as I tell this story.]

On October 2 2010, the unthinkable happened. As I was leaving an Arizona golf course after playing golf with 15 of my closest friends, I was arrested.

It started out as a case of mistaken identity. Someone who loosely fit my description and make of the car I was driving robbed a convenience store across the street from where I was getting gas. Bad luck, poor timing, perhaps Murphy’s Law all occurred in one split second as I saw three police cruisers chasing me down.

I didn’t rob the store, but I had been drinking.

After the high alert situation of a man with a gun in conservative Mesa, AZ dissolved and I thought it was over — it was just beginning.

On April 9 2012, I was convicted of DUI. My BAC was slightly over the legal limit and although I didn’t think I was impaired, to the state of Arizona I was.

The time between the arrest and the conviction was a rough road. Disbelief, self-doubt, shame, anger and disappointment were feelings experienced everyday. Many days I wished it would go away, and many times I acted like someone I hardly knew to make it all go away.

It was rough. My personal life in flux, my career up in the air — I had no idea how I was going to recover from these circumstances. I knew I was a survivor and someone who could accomplish anything, but this seemed different. This was hard.

I accepted responsibility for what happened, and once the dust settled I accepted my fate. I consciously made the decision to make the best of things no matter what came my way.

There was nothing I could do but move forward. I asked people for help. Friends helped me get to and from work, social events and other activities. Kristina (my girlfriend) was onboard in making the best of the situation.Her help and support was nothing short of amazing.

I am grateful. My case was initially a case of mistaken identity, but one that saved lives. I am lucky no one was injured or killed in my situation. The only thing lost was some time on the road and money, both of which can be regained.

Now relicensed as the ordeal has finally come to an end, I look at things differently. Drinking any amount of alcohol and driving is stupid. We all know this, it’s nothing new.

If you find yourself in this situation, trust me it does get better with time. Exercise some patience, let time runs its course, ask people for help and you’ll get through this. It’s not the end of the world. Consider this an eye-opener.

Lastly, to everyone who was there when I needed you — words will never express how grateful I am for your help during this time. It wasn’t easy, but with your help — I got through it. Thank you.