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Every year, the government surveys the American population to glean information about the drug habits and drug perceptions of responders. The goal is to utilize this information to provide better treatment options and enhance prevention efforts. Unfortunately, the survey – published as Iowa Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues At-A-Glance by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – revealed that Iowa has a serious issue with binge drinking.
High rates of past-month alcohol binge use (four or more drinks in a sitting for a woman and five or more drinks in a sitting for a man) is higher among those over the age of 12, for those between the ages of 12 and 20, and those over the age of 26.
Does someone in your family in Iowa struggle with alcohol abuse, binge drinking or an alcohol addiction? Is drug use a problem? Don’t wait to intervene.
Call now to learn more about the options that your loved one can utilize on their road to recovery.
The Risks Associated With Binge Drinking
Unfortunately, many people believe that it’s harmless to drink more than five drinks in a sitting a couple times a week. For some, this describes a normal Friday and Saturday night – at least. However, that danger in this practice can’t be overemphasized. Studies show that binge drinking can cause the same chronic health problems experienced by alcoholics. Also, the risk of accident due to driving under the influence is far higher because many who binge drink do so away from home – and often believe that they can “handle their alcohol” and are okay to drive when they are far from okay.
A problem for young, middle-aged and older adults, it’s an issue that affects every portion of the community. If Iowans with binge drinking problems are unable to moderate or limit their alcohol intake, it may be an issue that should be addressed in a professional treatment setting.
Top Drugs of Abuse in Iowa
Alcohol isn’t the only substance causing problems for Iowa residents.
The top four substances of abuse are:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Cocaine
Over the past 15 years, the rates of abuse of different substances have remained relatively constant with the exception of methamphetamine. Hardly ever mentioned as a drug of choice among drug rehab participants in Iowa in 1992, the rates of use have crept up from less than 5 percent of all admissions to about 30 percent in just over 10 years.
Additionally, the rates of abuse of both alcohol and drugs have increased among Iowa drug rehab patients in recent years. More and more people are seeking help dealing with withdrawal symptoms and cravings due to more than one drug of abuse. For some, this can mean the need for more intensified or more directed treatment options.
Which Treatment Options Are Right for Your Family Member?
Depending on a number of different issues, the answer to this question will vary.
Don’t forget to consider:
- Drug of choice
- Need (or not) for medical detox
- Co-occurring mental health disorders that may require dual diagnosis treatment
- Need for outpatient or inpatient care
- Need for aftercare support services