Alcohol is one of the most used substances across the country. Unfortunately, it leads to some people making risky decisions that can affect their health and social life. Drunk driving in Indianapolis, for example, can lead to jail time, heavy fines and a suspended license. It can also result in chemical dependence and having to go to alcohol rehab.
Indianapolis is one area, however, that has many treatment programs in place.
Using alcohol leads to a number of different issues each year. In fact, an estimated 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually. This makes the substance the third-leading cause of preventable death in the United States behind tobacco and poor diet/exercise.
One of the biggest problems associated with alcohol use is drunk driving. Drunk driving is something that we’ve all been taught about from an early age. Despite this, it is something that still affects thousands of people each year.
Let’s take a closer look at drunk driving and the problems it can lead to.
Drunk Driving In The United States
Every day, 29 people die in the United States due to an alcohol-impaired driver, which is one every 50 minutes. In 2016, for instance, almost 10,500 people died in alcohol-related driving crashes, accounting for over a quarter of all traffic-related deaths in the country.
Alcohol has a number of effects on the body and mind and the effects become more prevalent and strong the higher your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is.
These BAC levels will have the following effects on the body:
0.02% — This BAC level occurs usually after two drinks and will result in a loss of judgment and slight body warmth. This will lead to a decline in visual functioning which can affect driving capabilities.
0.05% — This will occur after drinking about three drinks and will cause exaggerated behavior, small-muscle control, lowered alertness, and more. This will lead to reduced coordination, reduced ability to track moving objects, difficulty steering, and reduced response to emergency situations.
0.08% — This BAC will occur after four drinks and will cause an increased problem with muscle coordination, and an inability to detect danger. These issues will lead to problems with concentration, speed control, impaired perception, and more when it comes to driving.
0.10% — A 0.10% BAC level will take effect after about 5 drinks which will lead to a problem with the reaction time, control, and can cause slowed thinking. These problems can lead to an inability to maintain lane position and brake properly.
0.15% — This high BAC level will occur after 7 drinks and lead to far less muscle control and normal, vomiting, and a major loss of balance. These problems will lead to a substantial issue with vehicle control and attention to driving.
Marijuana
It should be noted that driving while under the influence of marijuana is increasing and that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 13 percent of nighttime, weekend drivers have marijuana in their system. Moreover, marijuana users were found to be 25 percent more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers who did not use marijuana, however other factors may have impacted this result.
Alcohol Abuse in Indiana
Whether using marijuana or alcohol, the country has a serious problem with substance-impaired driving. When looking at these problems, it is best to look closely at certain states. For example, while the situation in Indiana is not detrimental, it could definitely improve.
Older data from the Indiana University Center for Health Policy shows that Indiana alcohol consumption is something that increased in the early 2000s. Unfortunately, this type of alcohol use can lead to a number of different health issues including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Stroke
- Cancer and more
These aren’t the only issues, there are short-term effects that can lead to problems with driving.
Drunk Driving in Indiana
From 2009 to 2018, the CDC reported over 2,000 drunk driving-involved deaths in Indiana. While the drunk driving rate in the state was lower than the national rate, that does not mean it should be ignored.
Obviously, Indiana faces some serious problems when it comes to alcohol use, as well as other substances, but what should be done about these problems?
Alcohol Rehab in Indianapolis
Whether the problem is alcohol, opioids, illicit drugs, or something else, there are a number of treatment options available to help patients who are dealing with substance abuse issues.
If you are looking for a drug or alcohol rehab in Indiana or Indianapolis specifically, there are many options available in those areas, the problem is finding the right one.
When looking for the best rehab in Indiana, you should search for locations that offer certain things. For example, it is best to search for a facility that offers detoxification services. Medically assisted detox is something that many people who enter treatment, especially those who are using alcohol, need to ensure that they safely are able to withdraw from their respective substances.
Along with these, it is a good idea to search for a facility that also offers patients access to evidence-based treatment methods. This will likely include certain types of cognitive-behavioral therapy that will be used to help a patient overcome the triggers that cause them to use in the first place.
It is also important to ensure that the facility that you are looking into can offer you or your loved one a plan following discharge from an inpatient facility. Many Indianapolis rehabs will set a patient up with an outpatient program to attend and a way to continue their treatment.
These are a few things that you should consider when looking into rehab facilities in Indianapolis and Indiana in general.
Take The Appropriate Steps Toward Recovery
If you are looking for a reliable treatment center in Indiana that offers evidence-based treatment and a state-of-the-art facility, Landmark Recovery of Indianapolis can help. Our mission is to save one million lives over the next 100 years. We recognize the impact that the opioid crisis and alcohol have had on the community and are dedicated to being a part of the solution.
If you are looking for local alcohol rehab options, we also have facilities in the following Indiana communities:
For more information, call 317-449-8029 to speak to an admissions team member.
Choose Recovery Over Addiction
We're here 24/7 to help you get the care you need to live life on your terms, without drugs or alcohol. Talk to our recovery specialists today and learn about our integrated treatment programs.
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