We hear of unfortunate cases all of the time; in the news, on social media, through friends and family – it’s devastating, and it happens more than we’d like to admit. Substances have a way of affecting a region in the brain that’s responsible for executive functioning (such as critical thinking skills, assessing consequences of potential situations, utilizing decision making appropriately, etc.), and this puts people at even greater risks for dangerous actions, such as drinking while driving or under the influence of drugs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 29 people die every day in motorcycle accidents due to an alcohol-impaired driver. Alcohol and illicit drugs directly affect the brain’s reward center, which involves the release of dopamine – a “feel good” chemical that brings about those feelings of euphoria. Of course, in this state, a person is more likely to feel overconfident in their capabilities to carry out typically normal behaviors, like driving, even if they’re nowhere near qualified to be making such decisions.
With one death every 50 minutes from driving while intoxicated, it becomes an extreme cause for concern. Thankfully, more interventions are being created to help curb the number of incidents that occur, such as ignition interlocks that will measure alcohol on a person’s breath. A few other tools that have helped reduce the number of deaths from this include:
- Sobriety checkpoints
- Mass media campaigns
- Alcohol screenings
- And more
Substance abuse takes the lives of so many people each year – and the best way to combat this is to educate ourselves on the dangers of addiction as well as to start recognizing the signs that indicate that a person needs help. If you’re ready to begin your journey to recovery, speak with a professional from Alta Loma today.
If you’re ready to begin taking great strides towards your health and wellbeing, speak with a professional from Alta Loma today. Mental illness should be taken seriously and, if not treated early on, more severe conditions can arise. The best way to promote happiness and health is to seek help – and to begin using effective interventions for treating the problematic symptoms a person is experiencing. Don’t wait any longer to seek the help you need. Please call Alta Loma today – and you’ll be surrounded by a healthcare team who truly cares about your recovery. 866-457-3843
