Tiger Woods Could Have Helped More People Had He More Publicly Addressed the Issues That Lead to His DUI Arrest

I was reading in the AJC that Tiger Woods has already completed an intensive treatment program after receiving his DUI case about a month ago.  The message that he has completed counseling may lead people to believe that they can be treated far more quickly than is realistic.

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I was interested in viewing the arrest video in Mr. Wood's case.   I have watched more than one thousand arrest videos in my career.  Tiger Woods was impaired to the extent that he has no idea where he was or what he was doing.  He was far more impaired than 95% of the clients I represent.  

My problem with his announcement is that it is unlikely that five weeks of counseling is sufficient to address this level of impairment.  In fairness to Tiger Woods, he did say that:

"I recently completed an out of state private intensive program. I will continue to tackle this going forward with my doctors, family, and friends," 

My issue with his statement about finishing treatment is, that since his arrest was related to painkillers (no alcohol was found in his system), he may face a lifetime of dependency issues.  As almost everyone knows, there is a nationwide epidemic of opioid abuse, right now. 

I have great sympathy for Tiger Woods and anyone else who is facing an addiction to painkillers.  He has suffered greatly from the back surgeries he has endured over the past several years.  

That being said, Mr. Woods missed an opportunity to help others.  He could have done the nation a great service to admit his addiction.  He could have gone into detail as to what he was taking and how often he was taking it. He could have become a role model for others.  He could have been a modern-day Betty Ford.  

Of course, no one is required to become a role model or to even publicly speak about his or her arrest.  That being said, he could have done our nation a real service by being more forthcoming.  

If our office can help someone, in any way, please contact us.