Posts Tagged ‘Alcohol’
The Prevention of Driving Under the Influence in Michigan
Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 August 2010 12:55 Written by editor Wednesday, 1 September 2010 12:05
Michigan is taking measures to prevent driving while under the influence. This state feels that alcohol prevention cannot be accomplished by one government agency, but must be a blend of various law enforcement and government teams working together. This hierarchy and/ or distribution of power, in relation to the elimination of alcohol driving offenses, should be shared by the following agencies and/ or teams:
• Educate individuals about Alcohol Abuse while driving
Alcohol is a depressant
All beverages contain pure alcohol
Many drinks contain ½ ounce of alcohol, which is more than people suspect
• Local police
The local police are responsible for surveying those individuals who are driving too slowly, too fast, swurving, etc. Any type of driving maneuver that seems to be traits of someone driving under the influence will be deterred. It is especially important for bars to be closely watched by local police to see if those leaving these places of interest are intoxicated, and if they are “getting behind the wheel”. If so, they will be stopped, before an accident occurs. This is just what Michigan’s local police are striving to do!
• County sheriff deputies
These county deputies assist the local city police with the jurisdictions that are outside the city limits.
• State police
The Michigan state police set up checkpoints to show that they are focused upon their policy of “zero tolerance” when it comes to drunk driving. Most individuals support these check points, however those who do not are usually the ones who have something to hide!
• State treatment centers and/ or medical professionals
These treatment centers are ways to treat and cure alcohol abuse. Many of these centers are supported at least partially by the Michigan government. This, however, is a great cost to this state, but the benefits are more than the costs, since Michigan measures its successes in “saved lives”!
Michigan, like other states in America, has a handle on the prevention of “driving under the influence”; however it will take many years to actually win this battle. Until then, the state of Michigan is committed to the prevention and treatment of alcohol abuse!
Tags: Alcohol | Posted under Michigan Rehab | No Comments
Michigan Teens Drawn to Alcohol
Last Updated on Monday, 26 April 2010 01:16 Written by editor Tuesday, 27 April 2010 12:05
In Michigan, the most popular drug choice of teens may not be what you think: alcohol. Although many people fail to see alcohol as a drug, it is just as powerful as any other drug even though it is legalized. In fact, the reason that alcohol is one of the most popular drugs among teens is because it is legal and thus does not hold the same stigma as other drugs. However, even though it may be socially acceptable, drinking at a young age can have the same disastrous results as any other drug use because it is addictive and is the number one killer out of all drugs.
There are many reasons for this statement, one of which is the fact that teens hide alcohol abuse in the same manner that they would hide drug abuse due to the fact that they are afraid to get caught. As a result, they are more likely to drive drunk, become deeply intoxicated beyond return since they do not know their limits, and are more likely to exhibit depressive behavioral while drinking. In fact, there is a very high rate of juvenile DUIs within the state of Michigan as well as underage drinking arrests.
In fact, a recent survey in the state of Michigan found that about 82% of all high school seniors had consumed alcohol in 2003. More surprising to many parents may be the fact that almost 30% of sixth graders also have consumed alcohol recreationally. This is due to the fact that children see it advertised on television and observe their parents drinking the powerful drug and thus wants to experience it on their own to see what being ‘drunk’ really feels like and experience the euphoria that adults on television shows seem to enjoy.
Outside of the media and social culture that surrounds alcohol; peer pressure is another large factor in why teens choose to consume alcohol without a second thought. This is due to the fact that others their age may pressure them to ease up and just try some, but under the wrong circumstances teens can become easily addicted and find they are unable to stop drinking.
Tags: Alcohol, Teens Alcohol | Posted under Michigan Rehab | No Comments
Alcohol Dependency Problems in Michigan
Last Updated on Monday, 5 April 2010 02:25 Written by editor Tuesday, 6 April 2010 12:05
Alcohol dependence is a problem in Michigan, as it is in many other states across the nation. Its features include the following elements:
• Loss of Control
An individual loses control of his/her life when depending upon alcohol. This substance gives a person a false sense of confidence, which will eventually result in negative consequences, thus affecting both personal and professional facets of his/her life.
• Tolerance
Each person’s tolerance levels vary, according to one’s gender, weight, and metabolic state, which are reasons why some persons can drink more than others, before becoming intoxicated as well as becoming addicted. This makes alcohol dependency a tricky problem to both detect and/ or treat.
• Craving
Habit is one cause of alcohol substance addiction. Through this habit derives the taste and/ or craving that so stems from an addiction.
• Physical Dependence
The feeling of not being able to live without alcohol that encompasses an individual, best explains the physical dependency that alcohol has upon an addicted person. Headaches, nausea, as well as depression are aspects that lead one to believe that life without alcohol is not possible.
Each of these components describes the negative factors that surround the addictive processes that attribute to alcoholism.
Michigan has many certified treatment centers, with qualified professionals, who are both trained and certified in aiding individuals with alcohol dependency problems. Although there are many different kinds of remedies for alcohol addiction, the preference is entirely up to the individual experiencing the problem.
The University of Michigan Addiction Treatment Services (UMATS), is Michigan’s contribution to its residents in “Giving Back”. This institution of higher learning helps those who are experiencing addiction problems, such as alcohol. With careful assessment, diagnosis, and treatment the UMATS can efficiently and accurately help those residents overcome their addiction issues. Doctors and interns, all work together as a team to achieve a common goal; that of independence from harmful substances. Although legal for those of regulated drinking ages, the quantity of alcohol consumed further illustrates the lines of legality. In this manner, large quantities versus age further create negative issues pertinent to an individual’s state of addiction and/ or use.
Tags: Alcohol, Alcohol Dependency | Posted under Michigan Rehab | No Comments
Addiction Can lead From Riches to Rags
Last Updated on Monday, 29 March 2010 03:10 Written by editor Tuesday, 30 March 2010 12:05
Michigan seems to be a drug hot spot of America, due to its accessibility for transports. From waterways provided by the great lakes to interstate highways, drugs can be carried in and out of the state. Alcohol, as well as drugs, is an ongoing issue since it can be consumed legally. Whichever the substance, addiction, it can be a life threatening habit. This is one reason that the citizens of Michigan must use restraint when it comes to the experimentation of new and illicit drugs and/ or alcohol related behavior.
Knowing these facts did not stop Miranda, a 35 year old executive, who was born and raised in Michigan and knew all of the statistics related to the drug and alcohol substance addiction problems. She was under the impression that a little partying with samplings of drugs, or a few drinks a day would not lead to addiction. Her sentiments were that addiction only happened to weak individuals, and she was definitely not weak! “I can stop whenever I want”, said Miranda, however this did not happen! The feeling that addiction will not happen to you, is a myth. It can take over a person’s life quickly, without warning or notice. A substance addictive problem does not discriminate. This is one reason why it is so threatening, since it can consume one’s life before he/she is even aware of its importance. Once this occurs, either the individual must seek help or suffer the consequences. Miranda knew this, however she was in denial exhibiting the emotions and unrealistic behavior that many addicts so possess.
There was always a supply of marijuana and Crystal meth when needed; she spent a lot of weekends and holidays on Lake Erie, where she could easily buy a batch of meth. Miranda began having problems at work, due to her absences and late arrivals on the job. She blamed everyone but herself for these mishaps; traffic, alarm not ringing, car not starting, etc. Yes, Miranda was in complete denial, and still is. She has lost her job, due to her inefficient work and inappropriate behavior, along with drug violations that have given her a misdemeanor record, but she is still confident that these actions are within a normal realm. What will it take to save Miranda from these poison substances? From a high powered executive, to a welfare recipient, Miranda has not yet accepted her problem. And until her denial stage is over, there is really nothing that anyone can do. Rehab must be her idea.
The state of Michigan is well equipped to treating all types of substance abuse problems, from drugs to alcohol, however the decision for treatment must be that of the addicted individual. All we can hope for is that Miranda does not wait too long for help, since she has already lost so much, however the choice must be hers!
Tags: Alcohol, drugs | Posted under Michigan Rehab | 1 Comment
