Preventing Alcohol and Drug Tragedies

Blurred car head and tail lights seen through a windshield.

The tragic legacy of drug and alcohol abuse is graphically told by a mounting death toll and roster of casualties. Left behind are the loved ones who feel vacant, guilty and confounded. “Why do we lose our beloved to drugs and alcohol?”. Many answers may fill a void but the path of destruction continues unabated. Illogical is the course of an alcoholic and drug addict’s life.

 

Even less logical are the consequences of addictively seeking pleasure or relief through chemical ingestion.

 

  • Nearly 88,000 people (approximately 62,000 men and 26,000 women) die from alcohol-related causes annually, making alcohol the fourth leading preventable cause of death in the United States.
  • Nearly 46,500 people die from drug-related causes annually.
  • 18,900 die from prescription opioid overdose and 10,500 die annually from heroin overdose.
  • 8,000 die from benzodiazepine-related overdose.

 

The short-cut to pleasure and relief often cut short the lives who repetitively use them.

 

What can we do to help people colliding with the wake of addictive behavior? People who need that chemical boost to simply feel normal are like self-guided missiles who seem immune to outside influences, including the love and guidance of those who love them. Do they hear?

 

  • Don’t aggravate the problem by drinking or using with them and avoid being around them when they are inebriated or are planning to drink or use. Let them know the truth if they ask about your absence.
  • Don’t “cover” or lie to others to conceal or justify their alcohol or drug absenteeism, problems or mistakes.
  • Provide safety when possible. Take their keys if they intend to drive. Let them know that you will call the police if they attempt to drive. Let them know that you’ll call family services if their family is neglected or threatened. Follow-through with your calls to provide safety.
  • When they aren’t under the influence of a chemical, let them know your observations. Let them know that you will help them to find help if they are willing.
  • Find others who have similar observations and interest in helping and ask them to share with the alcoholic or addict.
  • Call a trusted or reputable therapist, doctor or treatment program to get their advice and help. Seek referrals from others in recovery or from professionals you know. Avoid internet searches for help.

 

We can’t make someone sober or make them want recovery. We can avoid being part of the problem and avail ourselves as part of a solution.

 

Twin Town Treatment Centers is immediately accessible to all Los Angeles and Orange County residents, is accredited by The Joint Commission, and is certified by the California DHCS. All network HMO/PPO/EPO insurance plans and Medi-Cal contract with Twin Town Treatment Centers to provide drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Our phone is answered by real people. We can see people on the same day you call. (866) 594-8844