Alcohol and Drug Use Rising in San Diego County
For those of us living in San Diego County, we are honored to have outstanding researchers and treatment providers for alcohol and drug addiction. Mark Schuckit, MD a leading researcher from the University of California San Diego has again helped us to understand more about the disease of alcoholism.
His latest research was published in Lancet, a medical journal this week to show, that in the developed countries, men have a 15 percent risk over their lifetime for abusing alcohol, and in addition, men have a 10 percent risk for becoming dependent (addicted) to alcohol.
Looking at these numbers: at least one in five men (20%) are at lifetime risk of becoming dependent on or abusing alcohol. Women's risk over all is 8-10%. Why? Dr. Shuckitt states that a higher proportion of women rarely or never drink.
What are the consequences (negative outcomes) of alcohol and drug dependence? Statistics show alcohol and drug abuse and dependence can increase auto accidents, suicides, divorces, child abuse, domestic violence, thefts, assaults, physical deterioration, organ damage, sexual dysfunction and brain damage.
What does this mean to us in day to day living? Be aware of what you go through when you drink alcohol or use drugs.
Symptoms of this progress and chronic disease go unnoticed for years:
drinking or using drugs to calm nerves
If you feel your alcohol or drug use is becoming a problem, seek treatment before the symptoms and consequences get more severe. We can help!
Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS
His latest research was published in Lancet, a medical journal this week to show, that in the developed countries, men have a 15 percent risk over their lifetime for abusing alcohol, and in addition, men have a 10 percent risk for becoming dependent (addicted) to alcohol.
Looking at these numbers: at least one in five men (20%) are at lifetime risk of becoming dependent on or abusing alcohol. Women's risk over all is 8-10%. Why? Dr. Shuckitt states that a higher proportion of women rarely or never drink.
What are the consequences (negative outcomes) of alcohol and drug dependence? Statistics show alcohol and drug abuse and dependence can increase auto accidents, suicides, divorces, child abuse, domestic violence, thefts, assaults, physical deterioration, organ damage, sexual dysfunction and brain damage.
What does this mean to us in day to day living? Be aware of what you go through when you drink alcohol or use drugs.
Symptoms of this progress and chronic disease go unnoticed for years:
drinking or using drugs to calm nerves
- occasional memory lapses after heavy drinking or drugging
- preoccupation with alcohol or drugs (thinking about the next time to drink or use)
- hiding your alcohol or drugs
- sneaking while drinking or doing drugs
- feeling of guilt about drinking or using drugs
- grandiose or aggressive behavior
- overwhelming feeling of helplessness
- thinking 'what's the use', a sense of futility
- complete dishonesty
- loss of other interest
- family, work and money problems
- neglect of feed
- drinking alone, or secretly
- family and friends avoided
If you feel your alcohol or drug use is becoming a problem, seek treatment before the symptoms and consequences get more severe. We can help!
Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS
Labels: Alcoholism, Drug-Addiction, Recovery
posted by Lasting Recovery | 7:49 PM
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