Drunk driving is a plight on today's society. Studies show that impairment begins after the first drink. However, millions get behind the wheel after consuming more than just a few alcoholic beverages. The chances are that you or someone you know has been negatively affected by impaired driving. It kills numerous people, while leaving many others seriously injured. The facts about drinking and driving are alarming to say the least. Alcohol abuse statistics show:
An average of every 45 minutes, someone is killed by a drunk driver.
In 2008 alone, 11,773 people died in motor vehicle accidents that involved alcohol.
Approximately 3 of every 10 Americans will be in an alcohol related crash at some point during their lives.
Motor vehicle accidents remain the number one cause of death among youth ages 15-20.
In approximately 28% of motor vehicle related deaths involving 15-20, the driver had been drinking.
Over 1.46 million drivers where arrested in 2006 for driving under the influence.
Between 50%-75% of those who have their license suspended due to drunk driving continue to drive.
80% of Americans support the requirement of a an ignition interlock device for anyone who has been convicted of a DWI.
Drunk driving check points on the roads reduce the number of drivers who are willing to be reckless. Plus, school programs admonish teens about the dangers of drinking and driving or getting into the car with a driver who has been drinking. However, more needs to be done to raise awareness of the negative effects alcohol can have, and the consequences impaired driving can cause.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
College Binge Drinking
It is more than just a stereotype, there are an alarming number of college kids who binge drink for entertainment. Statistics tell us that binge drinking peaks between the ages of 18 and 22, while many aspects of the college environment promote binge drinking. Kids who binge drink as part of their college experience do not necessarily continue the practice after graduation. However a certain percentage of them will take that pattern of behavior into their adult life. Plus, the dangers and health related risks of binge drinking can be alarming.
It is not uncommon to see alcohol campaigns that target college students. Even though it is unlawful to target underage drinkers, there is no way to exclude them from these types of ads. The binge drinking of these teens and young adults is creating some heavy consequences. Each year, approximately 1,700 college kids between the ages of 18-24 die from alcohol related injuries, including motor vehicle accidents. More than half a million more suffer injuries. Also, college binge drinking is closely linked with sexual abuse, unsafe sex, sexually transmitted diseases, teen violence, vandalism,.mental illness, suicide attempts, poor academic performance, and addiction.
In addition to poor decision making, college kids who binge drink may be at risk for some serious health issues. Liver disease, certain types of cancer, and even brain impairment can all result from consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. Plus, binge drinking is especially dangerous due to the risk of alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning kill kids on college campuses every year as the result of binge drinking. The danger of binge drinking is far greater than a hangover, as toxic levels can cause an alcohol induced coma which may result in the asphyxiation of vomit, or affect the nervous system causing the heart and lungs to stop, resulting in death.
As the issue of college drinking has become a highly recognized public health crisis, universities and parents are researching the effectiveness of several prevention strategies. Many schools now participate in the prohibition of alcohol sponsored events, while law enforcement is cracking down on the sale of alcohol to minors. Talk to your kids about the dangers of teen alcohol abuse and binge drinking in college and encourage responsibility with alcohol.
It is not uncommon to see alcohol campaigns that target college students. Even though it is unlawful to target underage drinkers, there is no way to exclude them from these types of ads. The binge drinking of these teens and young adults is creating some heavy consequences. Each year, approximately 1,700 college kids between the ages of 18-24 die from alcohol related injuries, including motor vehicle accidents. More than half a million more suffer injuries. Also, college binge drinking is closely linked with sexual abuse, unsafe sex, sexually transmitted diseases, teen violence, vandalism,.mental illness, suicide attempts, poor academic performance, and addiction.
In addition to poor decision making, college kids who binge drink may be at risk for some serious health issues. Liver disease, certain types of cancer, and even brain impairment can all result from consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. Plus, binge drinking is especially dangerous due to the risk of alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning kill kids on college campuses every year as the result of binge drinking. The danger of binge drinking is far greater than a hangover, as toxic levels can cause an alcohol induced coma which may result in the asphyxiation of vomit, or affect the nervous system causing the heart and lungs to stop, resulting in death.
As the issue of college drinking has become a highly recognized public health crisis, universities and parents are researching the effectiveness of several prevention strategies. Many schools now participate in the prohibition of alcohol sponsored events, while law enforcement is cracking down on the sale of alcohol to minors. Talk to your kids about the dangers of teen alcohol abuse and binge drinking in college and encourage responsibility with alcohol.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Buprenorphine Treatment
Buprenorphine is a drug that is prescribed to treat pain, but has also been approved for treating heroin addiction. It works on the opioid receptors in a similar manner as illicit opioid narcotics do, to reduce the cravings associated with drug withdrawal. In other words, it is a drug used to treat a drug problem. Buprenorphine has a lower risk for drug abuse and dependence, a long duration of action, and fewer side effects. It is usually administered intravenously under the care of the ordering physician.
Buprenex, Suboxone, and Subutex are all name brands for the drug Buprenorphine. In a detox setting, these medications work to the reduce the symptoms of heroin and other opiate withdrawals. In addition to the cravings, the withdrawal symptoms that are targeted by buprenorphine include nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and agitation. Although the drug does not provide a cure for detox withdrawals, it lasts for several days, minimizing the unpleasantness of the experience.
Negative side effects of buprenorphine are less common than those of illicit opiates. However, some patients report cold or flu-like symptoms, mood swings, headaches, sweating, and difficulty sleeping. When it is used in conjunction with alcohol or other central nervous depressants, it can produce a lethal concoction, which typically affects the users ability to breathe.
Some people frown on the use of buprenorphine treatment, as it is using one drug in place of another. However, despite any controversy, buprenorphine has become a commonly prescribed medication in drug rehab/detox facilities around the world. Approximately 73% of those who are administered buprenorphine succeed in completing the entire detox process.
Buprenex, Suboxone, and Subutex are all name brands for the drug Buprenorphine. In a detox setting, these medications work to the reduce the symptoms of heroin and other opiate withdrawals. In addition to the cravings, the withdrawal symptoms that are targeted by buprenorphine include nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and agitation. Although the drug does not provide a cure for detox withdrawals, it lasts for several days, minimizing the unpleasantness of the experience.
Negative side effects of buprenorphine are less common than those of illicit opiates. However, some patients report cold or flu-like symptoms, mood swings, headaches, sweating, and difficulty sleeping. When it is used in conjunction with alcohol or other central nervous depressants, it can produce a lethal concoction, which typically affects the users ability to breathe.
Some people frown on the use of buprenorphine treatment, as it is using one drug in place of another. However, despite any controversy, buprenorphine has become a commonly prescribed medication in drug rehab/detox facilities around the world. Approximately 73% of those who are administered buprenorphine succeed in completing the entire detox process.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Costs of Addiction
What begins as social drinking or and experiment with drug use, can end in devastation. The costs of addiction are steep. It can take everything you own, and leave you without your health, money, friends, or even shelter. Most people would not gamble with binge drinking and drug abuse, if they truly understood the risks and what is at stake. The costs of addiction can even be your very existence, as it has resulted in death for many.
There is no price tag that can be placed on human suffering. Addictions not only affect the users, but every around them, as well. When your life is based around doing whatever you can to get your next fix, you may find yourself in a compromising situation. Addicts will beg, borrow, and steal to support their habits. Many times, at the expense of those who care about them. In addition, young girls , women, and even some men have been known to sell their own bodies out of desperation. Drugs can be very expensive. A bad cocaine habit can easily cost over $100/day. Plus, addicts tend to be non functioning individuals, unable to hold down employment or pay their bills. Ultimately, an addiction can have one living on the streets. In many cases, our nation's tax payers are covering the cost of supporting these addicts who have lost their homes, their families, friends, and everything they once valued.
Addiction can lead to death in more ways than one. Hundreds of thousands of people die each year in motor vehicle accidents, which are linked to alcohol or drug use. In addition, the harmful effects of addiction on the body often include damage to the most vital organs, the brain, liver, and heart. Most long term addictions will significantly reduce a person's life expectancy, even if they no longer use the drug. Addiction accounts for the largest amount of preventable illness and death that occurs each year in the United States. The cost of any untreated addiction will eventually be the addict's life. If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction there is a treatment center near you that can help.
There is no price tag that can be placed on human suffering. Addictions not only affect the users, but every around them, as well. When your life is based around doing whatever you can to get your next fix, you may find yourself in a compromising situation. Addicts will beg, borrow, and steal to support their habits. Many times, at the expense of those who care about them. In addition, young girls , women, and even some men have been known to sell their own bodies out of desperation. Drugs can be very expensive. A bad cocaine habit can easily cost over $100/day. Plus, addicts tend to be non functioning individuals, unable to hold down employment or pay their bills. Ultimately, an addiction can have one living on the streets. In many cases, our nation's tax payers are covering the cost of supporting these addicts who have lost their homes, their families, friends, and everything they once valued.
Addiction can lead to death in more ways than one. Hundreds of thousands of people die each year in motor vehicle accidents, which are linked to alcohol or drug use. In addition, the harmful effects of addiction on the body often include damage to the most vital organs, the brain, liver, and heart. Most long term addictions will significantly reduce a person's life expectancy, even if they no longer use the drug. Addiction accounts for the largest amount of preventable illness and death that occurs each year in the United States. The cost of any untreated addiction will eventually be the addict's life. If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction there is a treatment center near you that can help.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Alcohol Abuse Amongst Returning Soldiers
Recent studies show that National Guard and Reserve troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq may 60% more likely to develop a drinking problem upon returning home. Many American soldiers are turning to alcohol as a way to cope with the memories of violence and death witnessed during combat. As many as one in eight of them will develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which has been shown to often go hand-in-hand with binge drinking. Alarmingly, one study found that 26% of the soldier who did not binge drink prior to combat, began binge drinking upon their return.
Depression, anger, and the general challenges of readjusting to civilian life may all lead to alcohol abuse. Government and military officials are faced with the challenge of properly tending to the physical and emotional needs of those returning from a war zone, and providing prevention and recovery programs for addiction problems. Although it is thought by many that no one can be adequately prepared for the stressful effects of combat, they are doing what they can to provide support for returning soldiers. However, since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, the military's mental health services have been stretched to the limit.
If you or a loved one is abusing alcohol to cope with the feelings associated with combat exposure, seek help immediately. Studies have indicated that completion of the full U.S. military aftercare treatment program provides soldiers with their best odds for beating an alcohol abuse problem. In addition to traditional treatment methods, the military is experimenting with virtual technology that enables soldiers to re-enact their combat experiences and face the associated feelings head on. In addition, there other programs including Alcoholics Anonymous and Vet support groups to assist with recovery.
Depression, anger, and the general challenges of readjusting to civilian life may all lead to alcohol abuse. Government and military officials are faced with the challenge of properly tending to the physical and emotional needs of those returning from a war zone, and providing prevention and recovery programs for addiction problems. Although it is thought by many that no one can be adequately prepared for the stressful effects of combat, they are doing what they can to provide support for returning soldiers. However, since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, the military's mental health services have been stretched to the limit.
If you or a loved one is abusing alcohol to cope with the feelings associated with combat exposure, seek help immediately. Studies have indicated that completion of the full U.S. military aftercare treatment program provides soldiers with their best odds for beating an alcohol abuse problem. In addition to traditional treatment methods, the military is experimenting with virtual technology that enables soldiers to re-enact their combat experiences and face the associated feelings head on. In addition, there other programs including Alcoholics Anonymous and Vet support groups to assist with recovery.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Social Drinking or Addiction?
The line between social drinking and addiction can appear to be a fine one. Individuals who choose to get drunk in the company of friends usually don't appear as alcoholics, but are they? Traditionally, the stereotype of someone with a drinking problem is the man who sits alone at the bar, or does his drinking in private. However, anyone who is abusing alcohol on a regular basis to get drunk may have a problem that is affecting their health.
One of the most common psychological assessments used to determine alcohol abuse or a drinking problem is the CAGE test. It is a short four question test, but may be as accurate as some of the more lengthy diagnostic tools.
C- Have you ever felt you should CUT DOWN on your drinking?
A- Have people ANNOYED you by criticizing your drinking?
G-Have you ever felt bad or GUILTY about your drinking?
E- EYE OPENER: Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to calm your nerves or
relieve a hangover?
A “yes” response to any of these questions may likely indicate a drinking problem. However, nowhere in the assessment does it ask about drinking alone versus drinking socially.
Studies have indicated that social drinking that involves binge drinking may result in alcoholism. Plus, social drinking itself has been shown to have some adverse health effects when it is done regularly. “Regular drinking” is considered drinking most days of the week. Men and women should not “regularly” drink more than 2-3 units of alcohol per day or they may suffer some liver damage. Although liver damage doesn't usually occur in people who are in their 20s and 30s, during peak drinking ages, it is thought by some health experts that we may have a liver disease epidemic within 15-20 years.
Binge drinking is never good for your health. Plus, moderation is advised to avoid problems with alcoholism. If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of a drinking problem, seek professional help for treatment. Alcoholism is a serious disease that destroys lives and can eventually lead to death.
One of the most common psychological assessments used to determine alcohol abuse or a drinking problem is the CAGE test. It is a short four question test, but may be as accurate as some of the more lengthy diagnostic tools.
C- Have you ever felt you should CUT DOWN on your drinking?
A- Have people ANNOYED you by criticizing your drinking?
G-Have you ever felt bad or GUILTY about your drinking?
E- EYE OPENER: Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to calm your nerves or
relieve a hangover?
A “yes” response to any of these questions may likely indicate a drinking problem. However, nowhere in the assessment does it ask about drinking alone versus drinking socially.
Studies have indicated that social drinking that involves binge drinking may result in alcoholism. Plus, social drinking itself has been shown to have some adverse health effects when it is done regularly. “Regular drinking” is considered drinking most days of the week. Men and women should not “regularly” drink more than 2-3 units of alcohol per day or they may suffer some liver damage. Although liver damage doesn't usually occur in people who are in their 20s and 30s, during peak drinking ages, it is thought by some health experts that we may have a liver disease epidemic within 15-20 years.
Binge drinking is never good for your health. Plus, moderation is advised to avoid problems with alcoholism. If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of a drinking problem, seek professional help for treatment. Alcoholism is a serious disease that destroys lives and can eventually lead to death.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Chronic Pain Medications
More than 80 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. From back aches to migraines, there are all kinds of ailment that condemn people to a life of discomfort and the consistent need to take pain medications. Medications for chronic pain include over the counter drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen, as well as prescription medications such as Hydrocodone, Oxycontin, Vicodin, Morphine, and Percocet. All of these substances may effect ones liver over a period of long term use and are considered toxins in the body. However, prescription medications are particularly dangerous, as they are commonly abused and pose the threat of addiction.
Prescription pain medications are powerful narcotics. In fact, many of the opioid based drugs such as Percocet and Oxycontin act on the body similarly to the way heroin does. They produce a feeling of euphoria and relieve feelings of discomfort. However, the body builds a tolerance to pain medications over time and more of the substance is needed for the same effect. This make these drugs highly addictive and a person who is constantly seeking the relief of relentless pain is most susceptible to having a problem. Therefor, chronic pain medications should be used sparingly and only as prescribed.
One should follow their doctors orders with any pain relief regimen. However, be aware that there are certain over the counter medications that can be taken in place of or in addition to prescription medications. This may help an individual avoid prescription drugs or cut back on the number they have to take to be comfortable. Overdosing on pain medications or taking them improperly creates a high risk for an addiction problem. Also, it is important to consider that the more pain medications one takes, the less the body is capable of producing endorphins, its own natural pain killer.
Although chronic pain is an unfortunate plight, affecting more than a quarter of all Americans on a daily basis, people must consider the effects of the medications they are taking. If you are one of those who is suffering, be sure to talk to your doctor about alternative forms of pain management, and take any pain medications responsibly.
Prescription pain medications are powerful narcotics. In fact, many of the opioid based drugs such as Percocet and Oxycontin act on the body similarly to the way heroin does. They produce a feeling of euphoria and relieve feelings of discomfort. However, the body builds a tolerance to pain medications over time and more of the substance is needed for the same effect. This make these drugs highly addictive and a person who is constantly seeking the relief of relentless pain is most susceptible to having a problem. Therefor, chronic pain medications should be used sparingly and only as prescribed.
One should follow their doctors orders with any pain relief regimen. However, be aware that there are certain over the counter medications that can be taken in place of or in addition to prescription medications. This may help an individual avoid prescription drugs or cut back on the number they have to take to be comfortable. Overdosing on pain medications or taking them improperly creates a high risk for an addiction problem. Also, it is important to consider that the more pain medications one takes, the less the body is capable of producing endorphins, its own natural pain killer.
Although chronic pain is an unfortunate plight, affecting more than a quarter of all Americans on a daily basis, people must consider the effects of the medications they are taking. If you are one of those who is suffering, be sure to talk to your doctor about alternative forms of pain management, and take any pain medications responsibly.
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