Alcohol and Drugs
...ohol use can damage any organ systems. Besides the well know liver complications there can be numerous other health risk. There is an increased risk of mouth, throat, stomach, colon, liver, breast and other related cancers. “About 61 percent of Americans identify themselves as drinkers, 22 percent say they sometimes drink more than they should, and 30 percent say that drinking has been a source of trouble in their families. These figures translate into tens of millions of Americans who acknowledge problems with alcohol and drug abuse.” (Lauer and Lauer p. 109) Also, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are not only adult problems, they also affect a significant number of adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 20. It has been estimated that over three million teenagers are out- 4 and-out alcoholics. Several million more have serious drinking problems that they cannot manage on their own. The three leading causes for death between the ages of 15 and 24 are automobile accidents, homicides, and suicides. Alcohol is the leading factor in all three. For example, in 1994 nearly one third of pedestrians killed aged 16-19 had been drinking (Department of Transport 1995), and the peak age for convictions for drunkenness is 18 years (Home Office 1995). In addition, a national study found nearly 12% of young men aged 16-19 showed dependence, as did 7% of women in this age group. A telephone survey of 1,000 females in their twenties reported many risk behavior linked with a good night out. Additionally, 30% have unprotected sex, and 13% have made an emergency visit to an emergency room either for the morning after pill or a suspected STD. Peer drinking and peer acceptance of drinking have also been associated with adolescent drinking. I can remember drinking alcohol back in school trying to fit in with the crowd. As 5 a teen the only place you could get alcoholic beverages was at neighborhood corner stores. We would drink the worst stuff in the place, because it was cheap and we could get our hands on it. As I look back and wonder why, I often wonder where were our teachers. I can smell the infamous Mad Dog 20/20 a mile away. I guess they never smelled it on us or didn’t want to smell it. The most common and effective way for an individual to combat his or her addictive behaviors is through a self-help support group, with advice and support from a health care professional. Treatment should also involve family members because family history may play a role in the origins of the problem and...