Alcohol and drug abuse can have extensive effects on an addicts body, and in many instances, results in a trip to the ER. While there are a few common reasons for this, people often fail to understand the full realm of these incidences, and the strain it has on the medical system.
In all, the Drug Abuse Warning Network, also called DAWN, estimates that over 1.7 million out of a total of 113 million visits to the ER involve either drugs, alcohol, or both. Without proper alcohol or drug treatment, our health care system will continue to feel the strain. In this article, we'll talk about some of the most common drug and alcohol related reasons that land victims in the ER.
Overdose
Residential drug rehabs say one of scariest incidences is often an overdose. Many victims are not found in time. When they are, no one knows for certain exactly what they had, how much they took, and how long ago they last used. In some instances, the substance is laced with other chemical substances that can react with the individual's system causing death.
Those who do not undergo the proper drug treatment may also suffer an overdose. Most drugs require the use to up their usage continuously in order to maintain the high feeling they are accustomed to. It doesn't often take long to reach that point either.
Accidents
Abusers commonly end up in the ER as a result of an injury sustained while under the influence. And it's not only car accidents...slips, falls, and drowning are other common accidents. Fights and altercations, residential drug rehabs say, occur frequently while under the influence. The injuries associated with this can be substantial often including stab wounds, severe beatings, and gunshot wounds.
For some who do not receive the proper alcohol or drug treatment, the substance abuse transforms their behaviour into one of violence and aggressiveness. These require a barrage of special health services, and even then, many are fatal. DAWN says that approximately 28% of all emergency cases involving abuse involve attempted suicide. Of these, 92% involve an added concoction of legal pharmaceuticals.
Driving Under The Influence
Drivers under the influence of a substance can be deadly - not only for the abuser, but for members of the general public as well. Driving safely is nearly impossible while under the influence of drugs that induce hallucinations, slow response, delayed mental processing, and vision/perception problems.
Drug/Alcohol Production
The making of addictive substances poses a danger in and of itself. Crystal Meth, for example, is made by mixing common substances found around the home. Unfortunately, the fumes given off by these mixtures can be deadly. Residential drug rehabs say the fumes as well as the left over product can transfer and soak into many surfaces posing not only a risk of an explosion, but also contacting with pets and young children.
Using residential drug rehabs for effective alcohol and drug treatment prevents a lot of these incidents - some drug treatment specialists estimate prevention could saving more lives than the population of many cities. ERs would have smaller line ups, and the savings would make these vital services available to those who otherwise couldn't afford it.
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