Admissions for Alcoholism Represent Largest Group Among Adults Over The Age Of 18 Admitted for Addiction Treatment Over The Last 60 Days

Released on: September 11, 2009, 8:05 am
Author: Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center
Industry: Healthcare

In a recent survey taken of adults over the age of 18 entering treatment, alcohol is the most common substance of abuse. In a sample group of 115, 44.55 percent were admitted to treatment for alcoholism. The second most common substance of abuse was reported to be opiods accounting for 34.55 percent of admissions to treatment.

Mountainside Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center in Canaan, Connecticut recently conducted an anonymous survey of over one hundred individuals with the conclusion that 44.55 percent of the respondents had entered treatment as the result of alcohol addiction.

The onset of alcoholism varies greatly from person to person, in conjunction with the amount consumed as well as the frequency of consumption. There are several medical conditions associated with alcoholism. One of the more severe conditions is cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis is a degenerative disease of the liver in which scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue and over time reduces liver function eventually leading to loss of liver function. Alcoholism also affects other organs, such as the brain.

Just as liver damage is irreversible, a condition in the brain called Wernicke-Korsakoff’s syndrome is also irreversible. Symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff’s Syndrome include uncoordinated and unsteady walking, inability to form new memories, severe memory loss, hallucinations and vision changes. The only currently available treatments simply control the progression of the disorder. There is no current treatment to reverse any of the damage caused to the brain.

The second most common group of respondents (34.55 percent) entered treatment for addiction to opioids such as heroin, Oxycontin and other synthetic pain relievers. This group of drugs consists of both illicit and prescription drugs. In a majority of prescription drug addiction cases, opiods are the primary substance of abuse. Opioid addiction sometimes starts with prescription drugs and often shifts to more illicit and illegal drugs such as heroin. Intravenous heroin use comes with many risks including HIV, AIDS and hepatitis which can also lead to cirrhosis of the liver. There is also the inherent risk of overdose which can lead to death.

All forms of substance abuse and addiction are equally dangerous in their own ways. More often than not, people see the obvious risks associated with substance abuse and overlook the underlying dangers. In the case of the chronic alcoholic, cirrhosis of the liver is a well known consequence. Despite the large volumes of information available regarding the risks of substance abuse, there is still a large portion of the population still seemingly unaware of some of the less obvious risks. A person under the influence of any mind or mood altering substance will often make decisions which can lead to serious consequences. Some of these decisions include operating a motor vehicle while under the influence or having unprotected sex. Both of these poor decisions have the potential to deliver life altering results.

For more information on addiction and its effects on people and their families, please visit our website at http://www.mountainside.org

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center has been helping people recover from substance abuse for over 12 years. Its licensed and credentialed counselors and clinical staff includes two Advanced Nurse Practitioners who are specialists in drug addiction and alcoholism treatment. The highly capable drug addiction treatment team is dedicated to providing compassionate and quality alcohol and drug treatment. In these hard economic times - Mountainside Drug Rehab is there to help. Please contact us at the number below or visit its website at (www.mountainside.org/drug-rehab). If you or someone you love is in need of treatment please contact us at: 800-762-5433

Contact Details: Mountainside Treatment Center (http://www.mountainside.org)
PO Box 717
Canaan, CT 06018
800.762.5433
pr@mountainside.org