Treatment Terms

Re-ha-bil-i-tate:

Restore to effectiveness or normal life by training.

Ad-dic-tion:

Compulsive physiological and psychological need for a habit-forming substance.

Drug:

A chemical substance, such as a narcotic or hallucinogen, that affects the central nervous system, causing changes in behavior and often addiction.

News Releases


Alcohol Related Traffic Fatalities Rise

04/30/2008

ALCOHOL-RELATED TRAFFIC FATALITIES RISE
DURING PROM AND GRADUATION SEASON

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released data from its Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) showing that alcohol-related fatalities increase between the middle of April and the middle of June. What's significant about these time periods? It happens to be when teenagers tend to do a lot of partying, namely proms and graduations.

Alcohol is one of the most difficult drugs to combat, especially with youth. Being a legal drug that is easily obtained, clear and effective prevention and education measures must be taken.

The Fatality Analysis Reporting System data showed that in the year 2000, 58% of traffic fatalities were alcohol-related during the prom and graduation period. This compares with 41% for the rest of the year. In addition, 36% of all alcohol-related traffic fatalities are young people between the ages of 15 and 20, below the legal age to consume alcoholic beverages.

This data shows that more work needs to be done on the education and prevention front. This being said, April is National Alcohol Awareness Month and the message must be delivered that alcohol is a drug. It costs Americans too much time, money, lives and grief for us not to make a stand.

Advertisements from alcoholic beverage companies specifically market to our nation's youth, depicting a fun atmosphere, good-looking people, and sometimes a picture of total irresponsibility, making it appealing for rebellious or thrill-seeking teenagers.

Nobody starts using drugs or alcohol with the intent of becoming addicted or losing their lives. But when people wait and don't get help immediately, they can die or end up in the hospital or prison. Some people are fortunate enough to get the help they need, but those are the people who have the courage to reach out.

For help with drug or alcohol addiction go to:

http://www.drugaddictiontreatment.ca


 

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