New Alcohol Sales Law Could Drive Crime Rates, Admissions to Alcohol Rehab Centers in Indiana

The state’s Interim Public Policy Committee recently met to discuss the passing of a new alcohol sales law that would allow carry-out sales of alcohol on Sundays. Indiana residents are concerned that if the law is passed, communities will experience more cases of underage drinking, drunk driving, and other crimes associated with alcohol use.

Though individuals who suffer from alcohol abuse can be effectively treated by alcohol rehab centers in Indiana, many residents want the ban to remain in place.

If you have a drinking problem, or think you might have a drinking problem, call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about your treatment options. One of our caring treatment specialists will help you find local rehab centers in Indiana that specialize in treating your addiction.

Lifting the Ban on Sunday Alcohol Sales

Alcohol Sales Law

Advocates against underage drinking fear the new law would increase alcohol abuse rates in Indiana.

Next year will be the ninth consecutive year that Indiana’s General Assembly addresses the Sunday alcohol sales law, but local news sources say there were no new concerns presented that lawmakers hadn’t already heard in the past. Major retailers such as Walmart and Kroger support the Sunday alcohol sales law, while advocates against underage drinking and alcohol abuse want the Sunday alcohol ban to remain in effect.

Small liquor stores were defended by the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers, which argued that changing the law would require these small businesses to open their doors on Sundays, increasing expenses and causing loss of revenue. The next lawmakers’ session will take place in January 2017, when the state will decide whether or not Sunday alcohol sales will remain banned.

Treating Alcohol Addiction at Alcohol Rehab Centers

Those who suffer from alcohol abuse can seek treatment at rehab centers that specialize in alcohol addiction. Rehab treatment is often far less costly than incarceration, which could save Indiana millions in resources that could be applied toward alcohol abuse prevention and awareness efforts. In the event the ban is released on Sunday alcohol sales and crime rates go up, law enforcement can help addicts seek the treatment they need at rehab and save local resources.

Struggling alcohol addicts who check into rehab first go through detox to overcome dependence on alcohol. The detox stage can last for up to several days, depending on the patient’s unique addiction status. Many alcohol rehab centers even prescribe medications that help ease alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms, which can cause pain and discomfort for most patients.

Following detox, patients receive counseling and therapy to address the reasons they became addicted to alcohol in the first place. For instance, patients who started drinking out of boredom learn new hobbies and interests that replace drinking, while those who started drinking due to stress at work or home learn how to effectively manage stress using healthier methods such as exercise. After treatment, recovering addicts re-enter society with the knowledge and education they need to stay sober and alcohol-free.

If you or someone you care about is suffering from alcohol abuse, know that the state of Indiana offers several treatment options. Call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about alcohol rehab centers in Indiana that can help you or your loved one overcome addiction and achieve sobriety.

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