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expert: Linda Shields

Linda Shields
Director
Alcohol Education and Intervention Services
5306 Avenue of the Cities
Moline, IL
Phone: (309) 644-0224
Website: http://www.AEIServices.org

Linda Shields, counselor and A.E.I. agency director, has been helping people through alcohol education and intervention services since 2000.

"I have worked extensively with Dr. Hauck at DUI Services and have now taken that knowledge and experience and incorporated it into my own agency."

According to Shields, A.E.I. Services helps individuals to navigate the process "enabling them to earn the right to retain their driver’s license by resolving alcohol and drug issues."

“I understand people in this situation … have many questions. I can help them navigate the procedures and avenues of state requirements,” she said.

“At A.E.I we are professional and respectful. We believe in providing services in a non-confrontational and comfortable environment.”

A.E.I. is located at 5306 Avenue of the Cities in Moline. You can also visit their website at: www.AEIServices.org.

Shields, who is certified in drug and alcohol addictions, says, “Many people in the past have viewed the requirements as a 'game' but all the state wants is for each offender to take an honest look at their use of alcohol and drugs and make changes to reduce their risk of re-offending."

When this is done, everybody wins. The client keeps their license and the roads are kept safe for all drivers.

For specific legal advise always consult your attorney.

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Disclaimer: Do not submit urgent questions that require an immediate response. If your question is regarding a medical condition or a medication, please contact your Physician or Pharmacy. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call your Physician or dial 911 for immediate medical assistance.

your questions answered:


Q:	how long does it take for alcohol to get out of your system? also,how long does it take marijuana and other drugs to leave your system?
A:	There are certainly many variables in the answer to your question. However, an approximation for alcohol is about 1 hour for every standard drink consumed. So, for example, if you consume 4 standard drinks in one hour it would take the body four hours to eliminate all of the alcohol. As far as marijuana, obviously it is harder to determine a standard measure. But a guideline is that it takes about 1 week to rid the body of 1 joint. Obviously that joint can vary in size and in potency. If you would like more information you can google "half-life". Half-life refers to the amount of time it takes the body to rid itself of half of the substance. Hopefully, this at least gives you direction to find the answer to your question. Linda Shields
Q:	I believe I am alcoholic. Where can I get help?
A:	You may want to see an addictions counselor for an evaluation. Also available is Alcoholics Anonymous. A.A. is a self-help group that is entirely voluntary. There you will find many people that will be willing to talk and listen and offer help. For a list of groups in your area click on the link on my profile.
Q:	I’ve gotten a DUI. Does this mean that I am an alcoholic?
A:	No. Getting a DUI is a serious issue but in itself it is not an indication that a person is an alcoholic. However, if a person was experiencing other symptoms, in addition to having legal consequences related to alcohol, it could be a consideration. A thorough evaluation would need to be conducted to determine if a person meets the criteria for alcohol dependence. Alcohol dependence is a serious diagnosis and should not be given unless the symptoms are clearly evident.
Q:	I’ve gotten a DUI and I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. Can you help me?
A:	First the court system will require that you have an alcohol/drug evaluation. This must be done with a licensed DUI provider. You can call my office or email me to set up an appointment. Considering this is a legal issue you may also want to consult with an attorney. If convicted of the DUI you will be required to attend educational and/or treatment classes in order to satisfy both the court system and the Secretary of State. We offer those classes and our rates are competitively priced with other providers.
Q:	My son has been drinking more than he used to. I’m concerned about him. How will I know if there is really a problem?
A:	The fact that you are concerned can be an indication in itself. Other indications could be negative consequences related to alcohol/substance use, increased tolerance for alcohol/drugs, using alcohol/drugs in dangerous settings. Feel free to use the links on my profile to learn more about abuse/dependence or visit our website at: www.AEIServices.org.
Q:	I’m embarrassed that I got a DUI and now I have to go to classes. I’m afraid people will judge me. What can I expect from your classes?
A:	The classes that you will attend should not be a "scary" experience. The classes should be a place where you can learn about alcohol and alcohol issues and a place you can talk about the things that concern you. At AEI we pride ourselves on making it a comfortable experience. We want you to learn from your experience and we know that you can’t do that if you feel nervous or intimidated.
Q:	I lost my license many years ago because of a second DUI. Will I ever get my license back?
A:	Although many people go for years without their license and feel confused by the State’s requirements, it really is a simple process. The State wants to know that a person has acknowledged the issues they had with alcohol/drugs and then resolved those issues. These are things that I can help you with. Once you have done that it is simply a matter of paperwork and attending a hearing.
Q:	If I get arrested for DUI do I lose my license?
A:	In most instances you will lose your license. The length of your suspension can vary from 3 to 6 months unless you have had prior offenses and then it can be as long as 36 months. Considering this is a legal issue you may want to consult your attorney.