Perhaps it’s the weather or the exciting atmosphere, but the panhandle is riddled with many different forms of substance abuse. Among all the abused substances in the Sunshine State, alcohol is one of the largest. The unfortunate truth is that because Florida is a prime spring break and party destination, alcohol abuse is widespread, and trends show the epidemic only getting worse.
Because alcohol is a legal alternative to many other frequently abused substances, the ease of access is probably a significant contributor to the situation. The effects of alcohol abuse can ripple through society and have effects that reach far deeper than other substances. Heartbreaking statistics, such as reports by the CDC, show that over 6000 deaths occurred in Florida in only a four-year span.
If you are one of the millions of Floridians who struggle with alcohol use daily, help is available. Alcohol treatment in Florida is widely available, and if you seek to kick the bottle, then there are options available to you. Even if the help you seek isn’t for you, but for a loved one, it is vital to understand the different types of abuse and the havoc they can cause.
Types of Alcohol Abuse
According to alcohol.org, there are five different types of alcoholics. Understanding these types and the contributing factors will help you identify if you or a loved one has a problem.
1.Young Adult Alcoholic
The young adult subtype makes up 32% of all people who struggle with AUD (Alcohol Use Disorder). Individuals in this group who are at risk are generally males around 20 years old. Alcohol tends to be less accessible to this group, so they are also highly prone to binge drinking.
2.Young Antisocial Alcoholic
Young Antisocial alcoholics are another demographic of people who suffer from AUD, which is comprised mostly of males in their mid-twenties. A defining trait of this group is that they have a history of anti-social behavior and typically have a close family member who has been diagnosed with AUD.
3.Functional Alcoholic
Functional alcoholics are individuals who enjoy a fair amount of success in their lives and typically drink in predefined times. The fact that they only drink during the specific situation gives the illusion of control and allows them to convince people around them that there is no problem.
4.Intermediate Familial Alcoholic
The intermediate familial alcoholic is made of 66% males with a family history of alcoholism. Another trait for this type of alcoholic is their tendency to also abused other substancesโsuch as tobacco, marijuana, and cocaine.
5.Chronic Severe Alcoholic
Although all forms of alcoholism are serious, this particular subject group poses the highest risk to both themselves and others. Overall, members of this group are generally drinking every day, enter most likely to wind up in a situation that will leave them in an emergency room.
Although it may be difficult to spot some of these subtypes, it is important to know about the different variations and those most at risk for AUD.
Problems That Occur as a Result of Alcohol Abuse
Although its legality gives the illusion of safety, there are drastic side effects that can be experienced for those who struggle with alcoholism. Here are some of the adverse health effects that come along with alcoholism and why it’s a dangerous problem.
Liver Disease
One of the most well-known issues the plagues those with dangerous alcohol habits is damage to the liver. This irreversible damage could cause major issues later in life.
Weakened Immune System
Repeated abuse of alcohol will eventually weaken your immune system leaving you susceptible to potentially life-threatening illnesses.
Increased Risk Of Cancer
Another reason to seek treatment for alcohol issues is that prolonged use can greatly increase the risk of cancer. This includes more than just cancer of the liver and can extend to the mouth, throat, breast, and colon.
These three reasons our only the beginning of the dangerous effects that alcohol can have on you or a loved one’s life. The list is seemingly never-ending and provides ample reason to seek treatment for the disease. Luckily for those in Florida, alcohol treatment and recovery rates provide hopeful outlooks.
Alcohol Treatment and Recovery in Florida
Because alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in Florida, the state demands a great amount of alcohol treatment options. The need for alcohol treatment in Florida is even more pronounced, considering that there were over 8000 drunk-driving related incidents between 2003-2012 in Florida. Even worse than that is the fact that 12% of all deaths in Florida over the last decade occurred as a result of drugs and alcohol.
Treatment Types
If you are worried about yourself or a loved one and are seeking alcohol treatment in Florida, here are the two main treatment types.
Inpatient Rehab
An inpatient rehab is a facility that will provide all the necessary alcohol treatment in one location. They provide around-the-clock assistance, which is perfect for those seeking alcohol treatment in Florida with additional substance issues. The only downside is they have a very high cost.
Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient rehab provides a more cost-effective option, and the alcohol treatment is usually stretched out over a longer period of time. Although this type of rehab is more inexpensive, it can be less effective on more severe addiction.
Recovery Statistics
If you are considering alcohol treatment in Florida and want the best chance of success, here are some of the key statistics that may help you choose the best treatment option.
Inpatient Treatment
Statistics for inpatient treatment state that 25% of individuals are still sober after five years.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous’ 12 step program has a 20% success rate after five years.
Alcohol Detox Programs
Another route for alcohol treatment are Florida alcohol detox programs. After a five-year period, the statistics show that 20% of participants remain sober.
Get The Help You or a Loved One Need With Alcohol Treatment In Florida
If you or someone you know falls into one of the five categories above, and you are worried about some of the dreadful health side effects, then it’s time to seek alcohol treatment in Florida. Hopefully, after reading this, you’re more aware of the signs, risks, and options available to keep you or a loved one sober for good. The first step in recovery is knowing your options. After that, the rest is up to you.
