Alcohol and Drug Addiction

Alcohol and drug abuse problems have become increasingly prevalent in today’s world, and affects everyone, from teens to adults to the elderly.

Alcohol and drug addictions can have an enormous negative impact on a person’s life.

Fortunately, treatment centers are available to help.

Alcohol Addiction

Approximately 17.6 million Americans struggle with alcohol addiction, according to the National Institute on Alcohol  Abuse and Alcoholism. Underage drinking is especially problematic, with half of teens having at least one drink by age 15.

Statistics from 2009 show that 10.4 million teens between 12 and 20 years old drank more than a few sips of alcohol.

This is alarming, especially considering that those who begin drinking at a young age are very likely to continue to struggle with alcohol throughout their lives.

Problems Due To Alcohol

Alcohol addiction can lead to stroke, heart disease, liver disease, brain development problems, and even death. Women who have problems with alcohol tend to develop these issues more quickly than men.

Alcohol abuse also impacts judgment and coordination, and often coincides with violence, domestic abuse and car accidents. Alcohol can also cause people to say or do things they normally wouldn’t, which can cause more problems.

Hangovers from alcohol can cause problems too, as they can lead to decreased productivity at school or work.

Drug Addiction

Every year, approximately 40 million serious illnesses or injuries occur due to drug abuse. Drugs can become a big
problem for those who become addicted, and quitting is no simple matter.

As a person continues to use drugs, parts of his or her brain will be changed so that the repeated use of drugs becomes a necessity.

The user will then seek out drugs, no matter the harmful consequences to himself or his family. As with alcohol, the earlier a person begins to use drugs, the more likely he or she is to become addicted later on.

Problems Due To Drugs

Drug addiction comes along with many problems, like loss of employment, a breakdown in families, homelessness,
domestic violence and child abuse, in addition to health problems and developmental problems.

Drug addicts are also much more at risk for life-threatening diseases and have a reduced ability to fight off the disease.

Addicts often become malnourished and can easily develop Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS or Tuberculosis. Substance abuse can eventually lead to early death.

Treatment Centers

There are many treatment options for those struggling with alcohol or drug addictions. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous are available, as are many treatment centers designed to help people break the addiction and restore their lives.

Getting support is extremely important for anyone wishing to break their addiction to drugs or alcohol. Though the abuse of drugs and alcohol has become very common, there is always hope.

Those dealing with substance abuse should get help immediately. For a state by state breakdown of Alcohol and Drug Treatment and Rehab Centers.