When you get a driving under the influence (DUI) ticket, most people tend to think that means a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or more. While that’s undoubtedly true, there could be instances in which someone gets a DUI with a lower BAC.
In the state of Kentucky, someone can get a DUI while drinking in combination with other intoxicating substances. However, it’s worth noting that the other substances don’t have to be illegal drugs.
Medications can cause impairment
People are frequently prescribed medications for things such as mental health, physical conditions, and even seasonal situations. These prescriptions come legitimately, so it might be surprising that they can contribute to a DUI.
It isn’t the way in which substances are obtained that calls into question a driver’s impairments. It’s how these medications interact with alcohol. A good indicator of whether a substance will increase impairment is to look at a warning label on the bottle. Still, several common medications to avoid with alcohol are:
- Anti-depressants
- Anxiety medications
- Sleeping pills
- Blood pressure medication
- Allergy relief pills
Noted above is not a comprehensive list of medications that you should avoid while drinking. It’s only a very small example. There are other substances that may increase impairment when taken with alcohol. If you do, you could face a DUI despite being under the legal limit.
What should you do after a DUI?
If you got a DUI because you took medication and then had a drink, you might be confused, especially if you didn’t feel impaired. A DUI can have severe legal consequences. Learning more about DUI laws could help protect your legal rights while navigating your defense options.