The Damaging Effects of Drugs and Alcohol

Excessive consumption of alcohol leads to an array of health problems. It can drastically shorten your life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention opines that this habit claims almost 90000 lives annually. Shocking statistics, right? To add salt to injury, those that die because of alcohol abuse do so thirty years prematurely, on average.

According to the CDC, excess alcohol consumption entails heavy drinking and binge drinking. Binge drinking is characterized by 5 or more drinks on one occasion for men and 4 or more drinks on one occasion for women. Heavy drinking, on the other hand, is characterized by 15 drinks for men and 8 drinks for women per week.

Nationwide, up to 18% of American adults consume alcohol in excessive amounts. Nonetheless, the excess drinking rate is different considerably in various states. In some states, one in every ten people drinks excessively regularly, while in others, it is one in four.

In Ohio, some 19.2% of adults drink excessively, which is more compared to the national share. Whether you're a binge or heavy drinker, the behavior isn't healthy as it can result in a slew of health diseases and complications which include but are not limited to cardiovascular disease and stroke.

These serious ailments can shorten your life. In fact, in Ohio, it is shocking that the premature death rate is higher compared to most states and even the national average. Excessive drinking has also affected many Ohio residents making them report above-average obesity as well as smoking.

Solon is one of the cities in Ohio affected by not only alcohol abuse but also drug addiction. Opioid overdose deaths have been a major crisis in the communities within the entire Ohio state. These deaths comprise the use of opiate drugs such as prescription pills, fentanyl, and heroin among others.

The prevalence of drug alcohol addiction is higher among males compared to females as well as among adults (18-44 years) compared to adults (45 years and above).

Short and Long-Term Risks of Drug Alcohol Addiction

Drug alcohol addiction brings with it short and long-term risks. Some of the short-term risks comprise;

• Poor decision making
• Engagement in risky behaviors like unprotected sex
• Violence such as sexual assault, suicide, and homicide
• Unintentional injuries like motor vehicle accidents, burns, drownings, and falls
• Long-term risks on the other hand comprise;
• Learning and memory problems
• Alcohol dependence
• Cancer of the breasts, colon, liver, esophagus, throat, and mouth
• Liver diseases, stroke, heart disease, and hypertension

Your life experience, like you, is one-of-a-kind. So, if you're wondering, "How long does rehab last?" ", keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to a detox center. Concentrate on your rehabilitation rather than the time it takes to get out of therapy. Don't let the unknown length of your therapy keep you from getting the help and recovery you need. Contact a treatment provider right away if you need assistance finding a treatment program.