The route from casual, social use to alcohol and drug abuse to full blown addiction is complex. We know that Siskiyou County residents tend to begin their drug and alcohol use during adolescence primarily as an experiment (curious). Adolescence is a time when Siskiyou County teenagers try new things and this often means experimentation with cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana. There are four common reasons why teenagers continue to drink and use drugs after their initial experiment; relaxation (cope with stress), intoxication (they like the way it makes them feel), to feel grown up and to fit in with their peers.
Many people just grow out of this experimental phase but some do not and that is when the serious problems begin.
You can speak with a counselor today and find answers to your questions.
Teenagers in Siskiyou County reported two major consequences related to alcohol and drug abuse; fighting and unwanted/unprotected sex. Approximately one third of all Siskiyou County teenagers reported they have driven an automobile after drinking or using drugs - or they have driven in a car with a driver who recently used drugs or drank alcohol.
Addiction at its core is a childhood illness that stems from childhood matters that are anything but childish matters. We know that adolescents who are at the greatest risk of developing drug and alcohol dependency often come from families with a history of substance abuse, suffer from depression or don’t feel like they are in the mainstream. Regardless of the reasons that underlie individual substance abuse the all too common consequence of this behavior is long-term drug addiction.
Alcoholism, prescription drug abuse and illegal drug use causes many societal, familial and personal problems throughout California. Drug and alcohol abuse plays a significant role in just about every other problem facing Siskiyou County such as violent crime, sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s), child abuse, child neglect, teen pregnancy, suicide, accidents, injuries, domestic violence, homelessness and mental health disorders.
Alcohol and drug abuse has a broad and significant impact on the overall health and well being of all Siskiyou County residents. Drug addiction and alcoholism drive up Siskiyou County health care costs, judicial costs, crime prevention costs, education costs, etc...
Siskiyou County females are sexually assaulted at a markedly higher rate while using drugs or drinking alcohol. We know that drugs and alcohol affect women at a more rapid rate, primarily due to their lower body weight and lower water density. We also know that female substance abuse is rising at a faster rate than it is for males. In fact, recent data shows that significantly more young females (12-17 year olds) than young males reported non-medical use of psychotherapeutics; tranquilizers, painkillers, sedatives and stimulants. Another revealing statistic is that approximately 30% of females compared to 35% of males who needed drug treatment received it in the last year.
We know that many more men than women will succumb to the effects of drugs and alcohol. We also know that the ramifications for drug and alcohol abuse in men tend to be more serious; meaning that their abuse leads to long-term financial, physical, mental and social problems. Many Siskiyou County men will shorten their life spans by as much as 25% due to the long-term effects of drugs and alcohol.
Siskiyou County drug addiction and alcoholism prevention programs promote individual and familial health for all age groups. Siskiyou County is on the cutting edge of new and improved systems of addiction treatment. Many county and public organizations are designing creative and effective solutions that help Siskiyou County residents recover from alcoholism, prescription drug abuse and illicit drug use.
The goals of Siskiyou County addiction treatment programs are to free alcoholics and drug addicts from their dependence to alcohol and drugs and improve their physical and mental health.
Alcohol and drug detox centers that treat their clients in residential drug rehab centers have markedly better results than outpatient treatment centers.
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