The Statistics Of Alcohol And Drug Abuse
Many people begin drinking alcohol because of the stress they experience in their daily lives. Others start because they experience peer pressure to do and act a certain way in order to fit in. Alcohol and drug abuse is a major problem in America today since often one leads to the other. Nearly half of all adults in America have tried drugs at least once in their life. The numbers are much higher for those who have tried alcohol.
Many people begin their journey by social drinking. Once they experience the effects that alcohol has on their mind and body they will often continue drinking until it becomes a problem. Many of these people will be led into alcohol and drug abuse because they want to experience new feelings. Marijuana is usually the first illegal drug which people will try. There are many reports that suggest that marijuana is not addictive but it does lead to further alcohol and drug abuse. There are not a lot of people who will just stop with marijuana; they will go on to experience drugs which are more powerful and more addictive.
Looking At Who Is At Risk For Alcohol And Drug Abuse
Alcohol and drug abuse does not have to go together. There are many people who will abuse one or the other. Drug abuse does not always mean illegal drugs either. Many people will become addicted to narcotics which are prescribed to them by a member of the medical profession. Senior citizens are very prone to this type of addiction since they often suffer from arthritis. Once their pain gets severe enough many physicians will prescribe narcotics to help alleviate their pain.
Women are more prone than men to becoming addicted to narcotics since many women suffer from insomnia. Sleeping pills are taken to help them sleep and this can lead to abuse when the body builds up a resistance to the drugs. Eventually they will require stronger doses to achieve the desired result.
Men are more likely than women to abuse alcohol since they usually have the greatest amount of pressure on them to provide for their family. In most societies it is better accepted for a man to drink than it is for a woman.
Families with low incomes are more prone to both alcohol and drug abuse. Many in this particular population are disabled or homeless with little or no income. Most people who are homeless would rather have a drink of alcohol than to have a good meal. It is believed that alcohol provides them with temporary relief from their dire situation. Many people are also homeless because of alcohol and drug abuse. These people seem to be caught in a never-ending cycle of abuse with little desire to do anything about it.
