Archive for May, 2011

The Facts About Drunk Driving

Posted on May 29, 2011 | Drug Abuse.

Statistics brought about in two thousand and ten have shown that over thirty percent of all drivers on the road will be involved in some sort of accident that involves drunk driving. Whether you are the driver of a vehicle, a passenger to a drunk driver, or an innocent driver out on the road, drunk driving can put all vehicle operators at risk for severe harm.

The frightening statistics begin with the fact that over forty percent of all deaths on the road are directly related to driving under the influence of alcohol. Thus far, in two thousand and eleven, it has been reported that someone is killed from driving under the influence approximately every forty-five seconds in the United States. Back in two thousand and eight, over twelve thousand individuals had lost their lives to the irresponsible behavior of driving drunk or being killed by an individual under the influence.

These statistics also do not figure in those who have been severely harmed during a drunk driving accident and have survived. Some have suffered loss of limbs, third degree burns to their skin, or partial to complete loss of mobility.

Unfortunately, a great deal of these accidents occur more on the weekends, when individuals are often not working, and celebrating their free time. Holidays are also a time in which there is a definite increase in accidents and deaths relating to driving under the influence of alcohol. This is directly related to the fact that there are more people out on the road, during holiday weeks or weekends. Also, holidays have been traditionally known as a time of celebration, often involving the consumption of beer, liquor and/or wine.

There are several groups that are taking a stand to try and stop the cycle of drunk driving, and reduce the number of individuals and families harmed and/or killed on the road. These groups include, but are not limited to:

  • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MAAD)
  • Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD)
  • DUI Hope
  • Smart and Sober
  • Young Adults Educating Responsible Drinking (YAERD)

Even as these groups continue to promote safe driving habits, there are still those who irresponsibly continue to drive under the influence of alcohol. Public ad campaigns and cities cracking down on drunk driving have also made changes in the way individuals think before acting on the road. Although, the daunting death rate for those involved in drunk driving accidents is still out there.

In making a choice to continually drive sober, and assisting friends and/or family in making like decisions, we as a whole can make a great impact on the safety of our roads. If you know someone, or you yourself are suffering from alcoholism or abuse of alcohol on a regular basis, contact a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. It’s never too late to save your life, or the life of someone else.

The Psychology Behind Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Posted on May 27, 2011 | Drug Abuse.

Drug and alcohol addiction are classified as mental issues, true addictions that are beyond a person’s ability to control. Many times a social drink can quickly turn into several drinks a night. Someone who once used to indulge in glass of wine to relax at the end of a long day may find themselves turning toward alcohol to cope with stressful situations. Similarly, someone who uses a prescription medicine as directed by a doctor, may abuse that same medicine in order to decrease psychological pain felt by other situations or events in their life. Research shows that nearly half of those who suffer with drug or alcohol addiction have an underlying mental issue and use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate.

People who suffer with depression will often turn toward drugs or alcohol in order to numb the mental anguish. Anxiety sufferers gladly welcome the relaxing effect of a prescription pill or alcoholic beverage. But these only exacerbate the problem. The depression and anxiety are still present, and become worse with the addition of these substances. Too often people who have seriously debilitating mental challenges turn towards these substances rather than turning to their friends and family because of the social stigma associated with mental illness.

Those who abuse substances often do not recognize the symptoms of the abuse themselves. Family members, friends and coworkers are usually the first ones to bring awareness to the person’s attention. When a person abuses drugs or alcohol, they will often try to cover up their use with lies. Many times they spend money that is intended for other things in order to satisfy their habit. People who abuse can engage in aggressive and violent behavior, causing turmoil and disruption to a family structure. They may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, and often miss work or become less productive.

Aside from the emotional toll that drug or alcohol abuse can have on people, the physical damage can be enormous. Increased heart rate, decreased liver and kidney function, and impaired cognitive ability are common among people with substance abuse problems. Additionally, people who abuse often engage in extremely reckless behaviors, such as driving under the influence, and put themselves and others at risk of physical injury or even death.

If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or in someone you love, seek help right away. There are licensed professionals available to help address the addictive behavior and get to the root of any psychological issues that may be influencing these reckless impulses. With the right treatment, someone who is in the grips of drug and alcohol abuse can learn how to control their behaviors and begin to live a clean, sober and productive life.