50%-80% of Impaired Drivers Have Substance Abuse Problems - Treatment Can Be a Solution for Safer Roads

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50%-80% of Impaired Drivers Have Substance Abuse Problems - Treatment Can Be a Solution for Safer Roads

March 30, 2009

(Toronto, ON – March 31, 2009) The Ministry of Transportation′s Ontario Road Safety Annual Report revealed that 4,059 individuals were convicted of impaired driving in 2005. It has also been found that in an average year between 1999-2006, impaired driving killed 1,212 persons and cost Canadians $1.90 billion in deaths, injury and property damage (Applied Research and Evaluation Services, 2009). What is alarming about these statistics is that anywhere between 50-80% of individuals charged with impaired driving have substance abuse problems (DiStefano & Hohman, 2007).

For impaired drivers struggling with substance abuse problems, license suspensions may not be the long-term solution. One way to decrease the likelihood of repeated offenses is to reduce the quantity and frequency of drug and alcohol use. To achieve this goal, it may be necessary for these individuals to attend comprehensive addiction treatment.

Many individuals charged with impaired driving need help to recover from their substance abuse problem. In order to meet this need, Bellwood Health Services is offering a new all-inclusive treatment program for drivers who have lost their licenses due to alcohol or drug addictions. Bellwood views this new program as another way we can connect individuals in need with experts who can help.

Bellwood′s holistic, comprehensive program is offered by a team of experienced addiction treatment professionals who will provide each client with:

� A confidential addiction assessment
� Medical care provided by an experienced addiction doctor, who will complete required reports and letters for the Ontario Ministry of Transportation
� A comprehensive addiction treatment program for a minimum of 30 days
� Continuing care and support

Bellwood is celebrating its 25th year of serving Canadians with quality addiction treatment. The late Dr. Gordon Bell and his daughter Linda Bell, opened the Bellwood doors in Toronto in 1984, and have been working with individuals and families who are experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, sex, and eating disorders.

For more information contact:
Jennifer Teran
Marketing Administrative Assistant
Bellwood Health Services
Phone: 416-847-0752
Email: jteran@bellwood.ca
Website: www.bellwood.ca

Julie Bowles
Manager, Business Development
Bellwood Health Services
Phone: 416-847-0751
Email: jbowles@bellwood.ca
Website: www.bellwood.ca

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