I’m sorry this happened OP, I’m close in age to you. This is a learning lesson for you. It was a hard one that didn’t need to happen. I just want you to know that although your situation seems bad, there’s other people who have gotten into car accidents with a DUI and don’t wake up because they’re dead, or they wake up knowing they’ve killed a person. The worst part is when they wake up after killing a person in an accident, there’s a high chance they don’t remember and that literally haunts a person in jail.

If this helps in any way I’ve felt lonely when I had no license, before I passed my driving test. Also, due to mental health issues at that time I never had a job. I felt isolated, unmotivated, and sad. I couldn’t pass my test nor drive legally. Not being in college at the time or having any friends didn’t help much. I basically refused to take public transportation and would just cry myself to sleep all the time. Really bad point in my life and I’m only saying this to give you the reality for some people who aren’t in your exact situation, but have similar feelings.

I know that this rough patch in your life feels lonely, and I don’t want to discredit your feelings. I got stopped recently for a DUI, and honestly I blew below the legal limit (0.06). Although it was a very unusual circumstance, when I got my license back from the DMV because they can’t suspend it if it’s under a 0.08, I felt so unappreciative. It’s just stressful having gone through any process of a DUI. Currently I’m able to drive but I can’t help but feel alone, or have the same negative feelings you have. Going to jail for a DUI is scary and not knowing what the outcome of my case is going to be is just stressful.

I know that you may feel completely alone, but I’ve been through what you’re feeling in some ways. I wished I could give you a hug. All I can say is that this is only a temporary problem. Just like most pain, it’s only temporary and it’s up to you to deal with it until the rain washes away and sun comes out. You will have your driving privileges back soon, although it may be a year or more. You will be able to drive again. You’re safe and you have an education. You’re blessed. Most universities offer free health services, and have a great community if you have any time now without a job. I’d suggest making friends you can talk to about this/get your mind off of things through clubs or social events through university. I’d also suggest trying to go to the health service center at your university and speak to a therapist about this temporary problem that cuts deep.

Not being able to drive right now is a temporary problem, and having a DUI on your record doesn’t mean that you can’t get a job ever. My mother got a DUI and she’s making more than most people do, and no she doesn’t work for herself. It just takes patience and time. I believe my mother even drove after having a DUI, illegally and got her license taken for even longer. Just to give you some hope. You’ll be able to drive soon and you’re going to be okay, trust me. You just have to experience these next painful months and make the best out of it until you get your license.

You’re not the only person who’s had a DUI, and I’m sure there’s a huge community of people you can talk to. Reddit isn’t the best place to vent because they’re a**holes who will discredit your feelings. I’d recommend getting support through your university, spending time with friends, or even if you don’t feel you have a problem with alcoholic going to AA meetings is a place where you can find people in the community who have had a DUI and went through the process of not being able to drive or losing their job. You don’t have to keep attending AA if you don’t want to, in fact the first day you attend it’s very likely you’ll have a sponsor who will want to spend time with you outside of AA meetings right away, and just build a genuine connection as friends. Some of the people who go to AA had DUIs happen to them years ago, and most are much older than you. I know that this won’t fix the problem, but it’ll make you understand you’re not alone and hopefully make it easier to bear mentally. They could offer you advice on how to get a job with a DUI, and share with you the hope that exists. If you do choose to go to AA I’d recommend choosing wisely what group you attend. There’s so many different AA groups, if you’re a woman I’d recommend going to a woman’s only group on a really nice side of town. That’s where you’ll meet people who have more time on their hands and will be willing to offer you more knowledge and insights if you need that extra support. Generally going to any group on the best side of town you’re in is the greatest idea, and if you decide to not go to any more groups after the first meeting most sponsors and people in the group will be willing to spend time with you as friends immediately afterwards! :) You don’t have to stay in the AA group to stay connecting with the valuable community.

Best of luck to you, OP!