Marijuana Abuse and Social Anxiety Disorder

A recent public health study has brought to light the relationship between marijuana abuse and social anxiety disorder.  The findings have shown that a significant proportion of people who abuse marijuana also suffer from social anxiety disorder.  Additionally, nearly all of those with social anxiety disorder related to or with marijuana abuse had at least one other significant psychiatric problem.  The co-occurrence of a substance abuse disorder and a psychiatric disorder is referred to as a dual diagnosis disorder.  The findings of one study focused on the importance of determining whether patients with marijuana abuse also suffer from social anxiety disorder.  The evidence suggests that social anxiety can be both a cause and a consequence of marijuana abuse.  They suggest that treating both is necessary to helping these patients recover from dual diagnosis disorders.

The Relationship Between Social Anxiety and Marijuana Abuse
The National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) performed a survey on 43,093 people.  Of those respondents, 7.6 percent (3,297 people) reported having abused marijuana at some point in their lives. Of those who admitted to marijuana abuse, 10.3 percent (340 people) also reported having had a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder.  
Assessing for and treating the dual diagnosis of social anxiety disorder in patients with marijuana abuse can help aid in the treatment of those recovering from substance abuse.  In patients with comorbid social anxiety and marijuana abuse, social anxiety must also be treated to facilitate recovery and prevent relapse.

Which Came First?
More than 80 percent of the respondents in the above survey who admitted to marijuana abuse comorbid with social anxiety disorder reported their social anxiety came before their marijuana abuse.  About 15 percent reported the opposite.

Unfortunately, both social anxiety disorder and marijuana abuse exacerbate each other, making it difficult to determine which disorder is the cause and which is the effect.  This is typical of most dual diagnosis disorders.  On the one hand, marijuana abuse may be used by an individual as a self-medicating tactic to help reduce symptoms of social anxiety, but marijuana use could also create social difficulties, including feelings of paranoia, thereby increasing symptoms of social anxiety disorder.

For those who abuse marijuana to help cope with anxiety symptoms, treatment should include skills to help them better manage their social anxiety disorder.   Likewise, those whose social anxiety is caused by marijuana abuse could also learn strategies to help them better cope with social stressors or other interpersonal difficulties that arise from marijuana abuse. 

Other Problems Associated with Comorbid Marijuana Use and Social Anxiety

Research has shown that those with both marijuana abuse and social anxiety disorder experience more severe health problems than those who suffer from marijuana abuse only.  Among the respondents of the NESARC survey, 21 percent of those who had cannabis dependence (a compulsive use of the drug with associated physiological and psychological side effects) also had the diagnosis of social anxiety disorder.  Comparatively, only 8.5 percent of those who met criteria for marijuana abuse (without excessive physiologic and psychological side effects) had a dual diagnosis involving social anxiety disorder.

Other Comorbidities
Patients with marijuana abuse and social anxiety disorder likely have other psychiatric disorders.  Data from the NESARC survey shows that greater than 99 percent of respondents with marijuana abuse and social anxiety disorder also described symptoms of at least one other psychiatric disorder.  Over 98 percent experienced another substance use, mood or anxiety disorder, and about 73 percent reported a personality disorder like obsessive-compulsive disorder, avoidant, paranoid, schizoid or antisocial behavior.  The chances of someone with comorbid marijuana abuse and social anxiety disorder reporting a third psychiatric related illness was over 7 times greater than those who were only diagnosed with marijuana abuse. Of course, individuals diagnosed with both disorders reported more health problems than those diagnosed with only marijuana abuse.

Clinical Indications
Social anxiety disorder is often overlooked in drug treatment settings because providers are focused more on the treating the substance abuse alone. This is also true for other comorbid anxiety disorders with substance abuse.  Addressing the anxiety disorders, including social anxiety, in substance abuse treatment programs will improve the chances of a successful recovery and reduce the chances of relapse. Identifying comorbid psychiatric disorders, including social anxiety disorder, in a patient with marijuana abuse, can also alert the clinician to other possible underlying disorders.  The relationship between anxiety disorders and substance abuse are complicated and the identification of comorbid psychiatric disorders in substance abuse patients is necessary for effective treatment.

Because our substance abuse treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program shares many common methods with other successful rehab programs.  The foundations of our dual diagnosis treatment program for substance abuse also rely on the principles of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, stages of change and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote recovery from alcohol abuse and drug treatment.  In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the alcohol abuse treatment and drug abuse treatment in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies.   Our treatment center  provides services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting.  If you or a loved one is showing signs of alcohol abuse or needs drug treatment rehab, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a substance abuse treatment plan that can result in recovery.  Treatment for substance abuse can be highly successful.  Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.

Source: http://www.alcoholismdrugabuse.com

Alcohol Abuse and Stress

It’s common for people to use alcohol to help them cope with stresses in life. Alcohol drinking can lead to a short-term state of euphoria with feelings of happiness and relaxation. However, when stress is constant and you continue to drink alcohol to deal with life’s troubles, problem drinking is likely to arise. Heavy drinking will start to work against you and put you at higher risk for negative long-term effects on your body, including a host of medical and psychological problems, as well as increasing your risk for alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence.

Types of Stress

Life Stress

Marriage, divorce, moving, and career change are all examples of basic life stressors.  Also, death of a friend or family member, problems at home or work, or diagnosis of an illness can be categorized as sources of life stress as well. Life stress often results in untreated depression and anxiety.  Something to keep in mind, however, is that those with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) are at higher risk for these types of stresses. For instance, drinking alcohol can cause tension in personal relationships, problems at work, and legal ramifications.

Disasters and Catastrophes

Some studies have shown that consumption of alcohol increases in the first year after a disaster, whether it is manmade or natural. It is notable that a lot of this research focuses only on problem drinking and not on alcohol abuse per se. Studies that looked at the development of alcohol abuse after a catastrophic event are not conclusive.  For example, some studies found no increase of alcohol abuse in survivors of catastrophic events like 9/11, Hurricane Andrew, and the Oklahoma City bombing; however, there are other studies of the September 11 survivors that did find increased alcohol abuse. Similar results with respect to alcohol abuse were found in the events of Hurricane Katrina, Mount St. Helens eruption, and many other events.  However, people who experience anxiety, including PTSD, are at higher risk for abusing alcohol compared to those without an anxiety disorder.

Troubles from Childhood

Childhood stress, including emotional, sexual, and/or physical abuse or neglect are among the most prominent of childhood stressors that can lead to alcohol abuse later in life. These stressors have long-term effects on a person’s life and account for a large proportion of psychopathology in adults, primarily involving major depression, chronic depression and anxiety disorders.  Studies have shown that childhood abuse increases the risk for both adolescent and adult alcohol use, as well as a higher rate of adult alcohol abuse.  Maltreatment or abuse in childhood is likely to occur more often in children of alcoholics because of poor parenting practices and possibly genes that increase the risk of alcohol abuse. Further psychological research is necessary in order to learn how the childhood stresses and abuse relate to alcoholism.

Socioeconomic Stress

Prejudice and discrimination as a result of minority or poverty status can lead to a high degree of stress, which can be emotional and/or physical. These stressors can be mild, such as being followed around in a store, or extreme, like being the victim of a hate crime. Long term socioeconomic stress, emotional and physical abuse are all associated with lifetime incidence of depression, anxiety and alcohol abuse.

How Stress Effects the Body

Stress is a state of emotional and psychological strain brought on by events that foster feelings like anger, anxiety, fear, or sadness. Stress is characterized by anything that threatens your body’s ability to function in its normal fashion. Drinking alcohol further impairs the body’s functioning, putting you at an even higher risk of harm by worsening the response to stress.  Continuous stress along with chronic heavy alcohol drinking can impair the body’s ability to return to its initial physiologic balance.

Higher Risk Individuals

Studies have shown that both men and women with higher-than-normal stress levels tend todrink alcohol more frequently. Furthermore, men were found to drink alcohol as a coping mechanism more often than women. For instance, in people who reported at least six stressful events, alcohol binge drinking was approximately 1.5 times higher in men than in women, and alcohol abuse was about 2.5 times higher in men than in women.

Veterans are more likely to use alcohol to relieve stress, especially if they’ve seen active combat. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often found in veterans who’ve seen war (about 14 to 22 percent in recent years), which makes them at higher risk of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence.

Stress and Recovery

Patients who’ve gone through alcohol recovery programs often relapse in order to alleviate cravings, treat anxiety, and help with insomnia. Relapse can also happen if underlying disorders, like depression or PTSD are untreated during rehab. Dual diagnosis, otherwise termed as co-morbid or co-occurring disorders or “double trouble”, is a term referring to co-existing medical conditions, namely one or more psychological disorders occurring at the same time with alcohol and / or drug abuse or dependency. Mental health disorders commonly associated with alcohol or drug abuse or dependency include depressive and anxiety disorders, and are some of the most frequent dual diagnosis disorders.

Dual Diagnosis Rehab

Because our treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program shares many common methods with other successful rehab programs.  The foundations of our dual diagnosis treatment program for substance abuse also rely on the principles of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, stages of change and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote recovery from alcohol abuse and drug abuse treatment. In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the treatment of dual diagnosis disorders involving alcohol abuse and drug treatment in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies.   Our treatment center  provides services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting.  If you or a loved one is showing signs of a  dual diagnosis disorder, alcohol abuse or needs drug treatment rehab, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a treatment plan that can result in recovery. Treatment for substance abuse can be highly successful.  Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.

Source: http://www.alcoholismdrugabuse.com

Women with Dual Diagnosis Disorders

Psychiatric Disorders in Women with Problem Drinking

Risk of Alcohol Use Disorders

The risks of both physical and mental health problems in women who use alcohol are directly related to their pattern, frequency, and amount drinking. Studies have shown that alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in women are closely related to binge drinking and heavy drinking. U.S. data have shown that women over the age of 50 who binge drink (four or more drinks on each occasion) have in excess of three times the risk of alcohol abuse and at least five times the risk of dependence on alcohol compared to those who do not binge drink. It should also be noted that both men and women are at greater risk of Alcohol Use Disorders if they start drinking alcohol at an early age.
Dual diagnosis disorders, otherwise termed as co-morbid or co-occurring disorders or “double trouble”, is a term referring to co-existing conditions, namely one or more psychological disorders occurring at the same time with alcohol and / or drug abuse or chemical dependency problem. Mental health disorders commonly associated with alcohol or drug abuse include depression and anxiety disorders, and these are in fact some of the most frequent dual diagnosis disorders.

Psychiatric Disorders Related to Alcohol Use Disorders

Depression: Studies have shown that in those with AUDs, depression symptoms are more common and likely to occur. A U.S. twin study showed that the diagnoses of major depressive disorder and alcohol dependence were significantly correlated in women. The National Epidemiologic Study on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) data showed that women who had been diagnosed with major depression were more likely to report signs of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence compared to non-depressed women. Depressed women are also more likely to binge drink. For instance, in U.S. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys, lifelong problems with depression were more likely to occur in women who participated in binge drinking, defined as four or more drinks in a day.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Diagnosis or symptoms of PTSD have been strongly correlated with alcohol use disorders. In a follow up study from the U.S. National Survey of Adolescents, women who were diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder were at least two times more likely as other women to be diagnosed with an alcohol abuse disorder. PTSD may not be a cause of excessive drinking, but the extremely distressing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder may lead a woman to drink heavily in order to cope with the stress.
Eating Disorders: Research has frequently shown that eating disorders in women, like anorexia and bulimia nervosa, have been linked to problem drinking. In a systematic analysis of 41 studies in the U.S. and Canada, there was strong evidence of a strong relationship between Alcohol Use Disorders and eating disorders in women. However, it should be noted that some researchers believe the links between eating disorders and problem drinking are more related to factors like the woman’s personality, distress tolerance and other factors than to the eating disorder being caused by, or the cause of, alcohol drinking.
Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior: Some studies have reported associations between suicide and alcohol use in women. A study of Swedish women who were hospitalized due to suicidal behavior showed that those women who were also diagnosed with alcohol abuse or dependence were at greater risk of committing suicide later in life. Many studies of women in the general population have shown that thoughts about suicide were strongly associated with frequent, heavy, and more hazardous alcohol drinking patterns. For example, in a longitudinal study of women between the ages of 26 and 54 in the U.S., heavy alcohol drinking was strongly correlated with suicidal thoughts and behavior. A large National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey showed similar results with a strong association between suicidal or and alcohol dependence in women.
Because our treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program shares many common methods with other successful rehab programs. The foundations of our program for substance abuse treatment also rely on the principles of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, stages of change and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote recovery from alcohol abuse and drug treatment. Additionally, we specialize in the treatment of co-occurring disorders, the presence of a substance abuse and psychiatric disorder. In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the treatment of these dual diagnosis disorders such as alcohol abuse and depression in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies. Our treatment center provides services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting. If you or a loved one is showing signs of a dual diagnosis alcohol and psychiatric disorder and is need of treatment rehab, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design an integrated treatment plan that can result in recovery from their co-occurring disorder. Dual diagnosis disorders treatment can be highly successful. Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.
Source: http://alcoholismdrugabuse.com

The Most Frequently Abused Drugs in America: Alcohol, Marijuana and Opiates

The risks you take when using drugs can range from becoming addicted to overdosing and even death.  It is important to know what can happen when you smoke weed, use cocaine or even drink alcohol to excess.  We all have to take responsibility for our health and well being.  It’s up to us to make the right decisions when it comes to using “recreational” drugs.  Everyone’s body reacts differently depending on their body and the drug being abused.  The first step is to realize the devastating threat of addiction that you risk and to take this treat very seriously.

Marijuana – This drug is still illegal in most states across the United States, even for medical purposes.  So this remains the most frequently used illegal drug in the U.S.  It has the effect of acting like a mild hallucinogen in most people and when smoked has the effect of stimulating the central nervous system.  This plays out as an increased heart rate and higher blood pressure.  Marijuana also impairs one’s memory and makes it more difficult to focus and concentrate.  In some people symptoms of paranoia come about because the nervous system is over stimulated.

Just as smoking cigarettes can lead to heart and lung disease, so can smoking marijuana.  When you inhale a dirty substance you are going to risk respiratory problems, lung infections and chronic coughing.  Although marijuana smoke has a lot of cancer causing substances in it, there is no proof that it causes cancer.  But the risk is there.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration conducted a recent survey that showed that over 4.5 million people over the age of 12 were abusing or were dependent on marijuana.

Cocaine – This drug is classified as a stimulant and is very addictive.  Users report that cocaine has a euphoric effect when ingested, although it depends on the person whether or not this really does feel good.  This effect can last from 30 to 45 minutes and some people love it and others don’t like it at all. 

Cocaine is often seen as a powdery substance which is snorted up the nose.  It also comes in the form of a rock, which is called “crack” and in this form it’s smoked.  The effect that it has on people is one of speeding up the heart and tightening their blood vessels, which can cause death from this cardiovascular disruption.  Even when you use very little, it can cause death.  This is the cause of most deaths related to cocaine use.  People can die very suddenly and this is not uncommon.

Statistics from the Office of National Drug Control Policy show that 16% of Americans of age 12 and older have tried cocaine at least once.  Statistics from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s recent survey indicated that 1 million people who were 12 and over reported a dependency on cocaine, which was a little lower than what was reported in the year prior.

Opiates – The drugs classified as opiates come as street drugs, like heroin, as well as prescription painkillers such as codeine and morphine.  These drugs stimulate the area of the brain which controls the feeling of pleasure, known as the “reward center”.  This is the part of the body’s central nervous system which is being stimulated by these opiates.  The feel-good sensations of having sex or eating something tasty are mimicked by the opiates.  When used in higher doses it causes some of the functions of the brain to slow down or stop working altogether.  This is how a person can just stop breathing because the brain just turns off control of respiration.  First comes a coma and then comes death.

The NSDUH survey asked participants where they got the painkillers they were using recreationally in the past year.  These are the findings:

55.7% said they received them free from a friend or relative

19.1% reported that a single doctor provided them

3.9% said they got them from someone they didn’t know

0.1% purchased them off the Internet

The survey found that most illegal drug users are gainfully employed.  And of the 55.7% who said they got drugs from a friend or relative, 80.7% said that friend or relative got them from just one doctor.

The results of a survey taken in 2010 showed that almost 359,000 Americans 12 and older were using heroin and said they were dependent on it.  In a survey taken in 2002, that number was significantly lower at only 214,000.

Methamphetamines – This is a powerfully addictive stimulant, most commonly known as “meth”.  It usually comes as a white powdery substance and people either smoke, snort or inject it.  It has the effect of speeding up the heart rate and causing one’s body temperature to become dangerously elevated.  People who abuse meth over long periods experience insomnia, anxiety and sometimes experience hallucinations.  Meth also affects teeth because it’s very acidic and because users tend to grind their teeth, this increases the damage to their teeth.

With any drug that can be injected there is always the risk of dirty needles causing HIV and hepatitis.  So you see individuals with these diseases having been brought about due to their drug use.

Statistics shows that approximately 13 million Americans who are 12 and older have tried meth at least once.  Of those over the age of 12, 277,000 say they are dependent on stimulants, which was an increase from the year before.

Alcohol – Most people who drink do so moderately, but for the ones that drink alcohol to excess there are health risks.  If a woman has more than one alcoholic beverage per day over the long term can increase the risk of coming down with pancreatitis, liver and heart disease.  The same holds true for people over the age of 65.  Men can have 2 drinks per day long-term without undue risk to their health.

Alcohol serves as a depressant, thus causes motor impairment and affects the drinker’s ability to think clearly and maintain good judgment.  Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a very serious learning disability and is caused by a pregnant woman drinking alcohol.  FAS lasts a lifetime and along with the learning disability, the person has impaired vision.  So the effects of drinking while pregnant can be devastating for the unborn baby.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse claims that there are approximately 14 million people in the U.S. who either abuse alcohol or are considered alcoholics. Because our substance abuse treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program shares many common methods with other successful rehab programs.  The foundations of our dual diagnosis treatment program for substance abuse also rely on the principles of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, stages of change and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote recovery from alcohol abuse and drug treatment.  In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the alcohol abuse treatment and drug abuse treatment in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies.   Our treatment center  provides services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting.  If you or a loved one is showing signs of alcohol abuse or needs drug treatment rehab, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a substance abuse treatment plan that can result in recovery.  Treatment for substance abuse can be highly successful.  Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.

Source: www.alcoholismdrugabuse.com

PTSD and Binge Drinking

In a recent epidemiological survey conducted on a community in the U.S., it was discovered that about 90% of those responding reported that they had suffered at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Frequent traumatic events included physical or sexual assault, a car accident, a natural disaster and other acts of violence or life threatening events. A significant percentage of those surviving such a trauma may develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Common Symptoms of PTSD:

• Re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks and nightmares
• Avoiding people and situations related to the traumatic event
• Emotional numbing
• Increased arousal and being overly vigilant
• Increased anger

It’s not surprising that those surviving a traumatic event and diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder would have an increased rate of alcohol use:

• Of those with PTSD in the past year, 3.7% - 8.8% suffer from alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence during the past year.
• Of those suffering from a lifetime of PTSD, 6.5% - 28.1% reported that abuse alcohol, including binge drinking, or are dependent on alcohol.

Frequently a traumatic event may result in PTSD and developing problems with alcohol. This is referred to as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis disorder, because both a psychological and substance abuse disorder co-occur.  This is quite common for those in the military who seek treatment for their problems with alcohol and drug abuse, often co-occurring with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Percentage of those seeking treatment for alcohol abuse or substance abuse with histories of experiencing trauma:

• 61% of adult men
• 30% - 59% of adult women

The clinical definition of Binge Drinking:

• For men – Drinking 5 or more alcoholic beverages on one occasion.
• For women – Drinking 4 or more alcoholic beverages on one occasion.

The clinical definition of Hazardous Drinking:

• For men – Drinking at least 14 drinks a week or consuming more than 4 alcoholic beverages per occasion.
• For women – Drinking at least 7 drinks a week or consuming more than 3 alcoholic beverages per occasion.

When someone consumes alcohol in excess of these amounts they are more likely to have a diagnosable alcohol use disorder. There is evidence that shows that in the U.S., having symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after experiencing a traumatic event (man-made or natural) is linked to binge drinking and/or hazardous drinking.
A recent national study involved 31,487 participants of which 54.6% were female.
The respondents’ exposure to trauma was as follows:

• No exposure to a traumatic event in their lifetime
• Trauma was experienced in their lifetime
• Having PTSD prior to the past year
• Having PTSD in the past year

The results of the study showed that:

• Exposure to trauma and the resulting PTSD was linked to:

Binge drinking
Hazardous drinking
Any mood disorder
Any anxiety disorder
A dependence on nicotine
Drug-use disorders

• For both women and men – Lifetime exposure to trauma or PTSD were linked to binge and/or hazardous drinking in the past year.
• For both women and men - Alcohol abuse and hazardous drinking were more common among women and men with exposure to trauma or PTSD in the past year.
• For both women and men – Exposure to trauma without developing PTSD was linked to  different levels of binge and hazardous alcohol use.

The results of this national study shows that among adults, both men and women, exposure to trauma, even without developing PTSD, is linked with an increase in binge and hazardous drinking.
Because our alcohol abuse treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program shares many common methods with other successful rehab programs.  The foundations of our dual diagnosis treatment program for substance abuse and PTSD also rely on the principles of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, stages of change and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote recovery from alcohol abuse and drug treatment.  In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the alcohol abuse treatment and drug abuse treatment in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies.   Our PTSD treatment center  provides services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting.  If you or a loved one is showing signs of alcohol abuse and PTSD, or needs drug treatment rehab, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a substance abuse treatment plan that can result in recovery.  Treatment for alcohol abuse and PTSD    can be highly successful.  Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.

Road Fatalities Related to Alcohol and/or Drugs

Vehicular fatalities are a significant problem in the United States.  Unfortunately, more often than not, these fatalities are caused by intoxication from alcohol and/or drugs (AOD). In order to better review the number of fatalities related to AOD, a large study was done to take a look at how prevalent AOD was in fatal car accidents occurring on public roads.  Before going into this particular study, however, it’s important to note that this is not the only study that has ever looked at this sort of data.  There are a plethora of information out there about AOD and its relationship to injury or death while driving or operating other heavy machinery.  Some studies look at how these substances impair one’s ability to operate machinery and drive.  This study looked at the most severe result of driving while intoxicated, motor vehicle fatalities associated with alcohol or drug use.

The Study:  The Fatality Analysis Reporting System for 2005-09 reviewed data from 14 states that performed urine toxicology screening on more than 80% of the drivers.  Therefore, it’s important to note, that not every single driver who died in a car accident was tested for alcohol or drugs, but the numbers are still significant enough to prove the point.  Nonetheless, the study was able to obtain toxicology reports on 20,150 motor vehicle fatalities. The researchers in the study wanted to analyze the data of drivers who were killed within one hour of the accident and tested positive on a toxicology screen for alcohol or drugs; the size of the study and results were consistent enough to reveal reliable and accurate data. 

The Findings:  In this study, there were 20,150 fatalities reviewed.  This large sample showed that 57.3% of drivers tested positive for AOD, of which 19.9% were also positive for having two or more substances in their system. The most commonly found substance was alcohol, which was found in 40.2% of the fatally injured drivers.  The next most common substances found were cannabis (marijuana) at 10.5% of drivers, stimulants at 9.0%, narcotics at 5.7%, and depressants at 4.0%. A systematic review of these data showed that alcohol and/or other drugs were significantly more common in drivers who died in accidents involving only one vehicle or crashes that happened at night.  AOD was also more common in those who had a driving-while-intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) conviction within the past three years.  AOD was less frequent, however, in drivers who were operating a motor carrier, female, 65 years or older, or Asian. 

Conclusion:  This study shows that more than half of fatal car accidents were due to intoxication with alcohol and/or other drugs.  It also shows that a significant amount (approximately 20%) have been because of the use of more than one substance.  The ubiquity of fatal car accidents in relation to alcohol and/or other drug use varies significantly with every driver and crash characteristics; however, there is no denying the results that more than half of these accidents are caused by substance abuse of some sort.
If you are driving while intoxicated, please consider getting treatment.  Because our substance abuse treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program shares many common methods with other successful rehab programs.  The foundations of our dual diagnosis treatment program for substance abuse also rely on the principles of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, stages of change and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote recovery from alcohol abuse and drug treatment.  In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the alcohol abuse treatment and drug abuse treatment in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies.   Our treatment center  provides services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting.  If you or a loved one is showing signs of alcohol abuse or needs drug treatment rehab, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a substance abuse treatment plan that can result in recovery.  Treatment for substance abuse can be highly successful.  Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Alcohol Abuse: Co-Occurring Disorders

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) combined with alcohol use can bring about problems for those who’ve suffered a trauma and these problems do affect their family members. Very often PTSD symptoms become worse due to the effect alcohol has on the person suffering from PTSD. Unfortunately PTSD and problems with alcohol seem to co-occur. People diagnosed with PTSD are prone to misusing alcohol. Their alcohol use disorder can just as likely occur before they have post traumatic stress disorders as after their PTSD diagnosis. People who have two or more disorders together, such as those who have an alcohol use disorder and PTSD, are said to have co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis disorders.
Having a diagnosis of PTSD does increase a person’s risk of alcohol dependency, misuse or abuse.
Both men and women who report having been sexually abused have a higher rate of developing drug and alcohol disorders compared to women and men who do not have a history of  sexual abuse.
25-75% of those who have survived either a violent or an abusive trauma, also have problems with excessive use of alcohol.
Those who have survived an illness, an accident or a disaster trauma are 10-33% more likely to have alcohol abuse problems, and this is especially true if they are chronically ill or in pain.
Of veterans of the Vietnam War who seek treatment for PTSD, 60-80% are abusing alcohol. These veterans are also more likely to go on binge drinking episodes. Bing drinking could very likely be in response to reminders or specific memories of traumatic events.
Problems with alcohol can lead to a traumatic event and often upset and even destroy relationships.
Those who abuse alcohol have a higher tendency to suffer psychological trauma than other people from a similar background. These individuals tend to have chronic problems with intimacy and are in repeated conflict in their relationships.
A person who abuses alcohol is more likely to have a chaotic lifestyle, which can bring about a reduction in emotional closeness among family members, an increase in conflict within the family, and less ability to effectively parent the children in the family.
Alcohol abuse often exacerbates the symptoms of PTSD.
There is no doubt that alcohol does help numb uncomfortable feelings and give one a temporary break from the discomfort of PTSD, but it also impairs concentration, disrupts sleep, acts as a depressant, and takes away from someone’s ability to be productive and enjoy their life.
When someone drinks to excess their sleep patterns are disrupted and they are less able to cope with the stress and the memories of the traumatic event. When you’re intoxicated you are numb to feelings, prone to depression, irritability and anger. You’re on alert all the time, on guard with others which of course leads to social isolation.
Treatment for PTSD, while abusing alcohol, is not going to be as effective.
Self-medicating through alcohol use may help minimize the symptoms of PTSD by numbing the anxiety and other symptoms short-term. But if alcohol use continues it only perpetuates the avoidant behavior that accompanies PTSD which makes treatment a lot more difficult. It’s a balancing act because when the patient lessens their use of alcohol then their PTSD symptoms often return.
Those with both PTSD and alcohol abuse issues very often suffer from other problems mentally and physically. Research has shown that 10% - 50% of adults suffering from PTSD combined with an alcohol use disorder also suffer from one or more of the following:

• An anxiety disorder such as:

Panic attacks
Phobias
Debilitating worry
Compulsions

• Mood disorders such as:

Major Depression
Dysthymic Disorder

• Disruptive behavior disorders such as:

Attention Deficit Disorder
Antisocial Personality Disorder

• Addictive disorders such as:

Abuse of or addiction to either prescription or street drugs

• A chronic physical illness such as:

Heart disease
Diabetes
Liver disease

• Chronic physical pain due to:

Physical injury
Physical illness with no clear physical cause

Because our substance abuse treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program shares many common methods with other successful PTSD and dual diagnosis rehab programs.  The foundations of our dual diagnosis treatment program for substance abuse also rely on the principles of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, stages of change and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote recovery from alcohol abuse and drug treatment.  In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the alcohol abuse treatment and drug abuse treatment in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies.   Our treatment center  provides services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting.  If you or a loved one is showing signs of alcohol abuse or needs drug treatment rehab, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a substance abuse treatment plan that can result in recovery.  Treatment for PTSD and substance abuse can be highly successful.  Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.