Phoenix Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center
Learn how a Phoenix Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center can help you
Recent reports from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) surveys reveal drug and alcohol trends may be ramping up in Phoenix. Due to Arizona's vast expanse of rugged terrain and alignment with the Mexican border, the states two major metropolis, Phoenix and Tucson are considered fall-out cities that provide unlimited opportunities for illicit drug and alcohol related activities. Even so, admissions at a Phoenix Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center and other rehab facilities for drug addiction in the area has fluctuated despite the CDC and DEA most recent data that reveal the following drug trend statistics:
- Arizona leads the nation in youth binge drinking and drug use;
- Drug and alcohol abuse in the Phoenix area crosses all socio-economic, race and gender lines.
- Multi-ton quantities of cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine and heroin are smuggled into Phoenix for distribution.
- America's first known Spice lab that incorporate fentanyl into the blend was exposed by the DEA in Phoenix.
- The use of methamphetamine has surpassed cocaine and is the most prevalent drug of abuse in the area.
- Arizona was in the top seven states in the nation noted for the abuse of heroin, inhalants, marijuana, methamphetamine and steroid without a prescription by students while on school property.
In addition to easy access to drugs and alcohol, a CDC study indicated that depression, low self-esteem, and lack of counseling regarding the hazards of drug and alcohol contributed to substance abuse.
Drinking while using drugs is also a common but deadly practice. Not surprisingly, the CDC, NIDA and DEA as well as at Phoenix Drug and Alcohol Rehab centers recognize an uptick in this trend. Although drug and alcohol is a risky combination by itself, the danger increases exponentially when paired with binging on one or both substances.
Danger of Drug and Alcohol Cocktails
Drug and alcohol produce their own effect on the body. When combined these substances also produce an interrelated reaction. Studies show that when alcohol and drugs are consumed together, potency levels of both substances tend to be enhanced. At the same time, they also simultaneously compete for the body's absorption process. In instances where the user consumes a stimulant such as cocaine with alcohol, the depressing effects of alcohol immediately begin to reduce the stimulating effects on the central nervous system triggered by the cocaine. These multiple and competing activities naturally produce undue stress on brain activity and can also accelerate dependence.
On the other hand, alcohol and other depressant drug combinations such as heroin is a powerful and deadly combination that can severely suppress respiratory functions.
Experts at Phoenix drug and alcohol treatment centers have compiled a list of drug and alcohol combinations that are known to be extremely harmful. They recommend that the following combinations be avoided at all cost such as:
- Narcotic prescription medications and alcohol.
- Excessive consumption of beer, wine and liquor with over the counter sleep medications
- Heroin laced with fentanyl or other drug blends and alcohol
- Cocaine, crack cocaine and alcohol
- Methamphetamine and all forms of alcoholic beverages.
When it comes to the combined use of alcohol and drugs of abuse there are no safe guidelines available. It is therefore important to recognize that pairing alcoholic drinks, substances containing alcohol like over the counter cough medicine and prescription medication or other mind altering substances of abuse can significantly increase the chance of a fatal overdose.
If you or someone you know have developed the habit of combining alcohol and other chemical substance including prescription medication it may be time to seek help for substance dependence or addiction.