If most people are polled, a majority of them would probably say that the deadliest drug is something like heroin or meth, one of the strongest and most addictive drugs. However, they would all be wrong. The deadliest drug is alcohol. Most of the time on the news we hear talk about other types of drugs in the drug epidemic that we are currently engaged in. Because alcohol is socially accepted and easily available, though, people do not normally think of alcohol as a deadly drug.
A startling statistic is that alcohol causes more deaths than all other drugs combined. In the United States, there are 88,000 alcohol-related deaths each year. Further, alcohol-related deaths are the third leading preventable causes of death. Alcohol-related deaths can consist of car crashes, deadly accidents, violence, sexual assaults and a myriad of other scenarios where someone is killed due to alcohol use. The World Health Organization has determined that alcohol causes 2.5 million deaths each year from diseases of the various organs, vehicle accidents, and suicides.
Alcohol also causes significant damage to your body, especially over a long period of heavy drinking. People who abuse alcohol over great periods of time suffer from liver disease and heart disease. Research also suggests that alcohol is one of the causes of skin, prostate and pancreatic cancer.
In comparing alcohol to other drugs, Alcohol is three times as deadly as cocaine and even tobacco. Also, when comparing alcohol and ecstasy, ecstasy was a mere fraction as deadly as alcohol. Therefore, even though those other drugs are talked about more often in the addiction war that we are currently fighting, alcohol should really be the main culprit.
There are two parts to the problem. First, alcohol is legal so it is relatively easy to obtain, assuming you are of legal age in your jurisdiction. But even if you are not of legal age, many teenagers in the U.S. can easily obtain alcohol. Because it is so readily available, there can be a tendency to drink more often and to drink to excess. When this occurs, people get hurt.
The second reason for this problem is that in our culture, it is deemed fun and acceptable to drink alcohol. Actually, it almost seems that it is mandatory when you are out with friends or in a social setting. Most of the time a non-drinker is an oddity in the group. The status of alcohol in our society has come to the point that most people think that you cannot even have fun unless you drink alcohol.
Alcoholism is a horrible disease that can not only destroy yourself, it can also destroy your family and friends. However, it does not have to be that way. Even though you may feel like you are alone in this battle, you are not. There are thousands of addiction professionals and recovery and rehabilitation centers that can help you through this tough time in your life. With the help of a dedicated team, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
