Alcohol-related deaths are the primary cause of preventable deaths in the United States, and an estimated two-thirds of these deaths occur in adults between the ages of 20 and 64, according to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data from 11 states between 2006 and 2010 was included in the study; it was found that a median of 1,650 deaths were caused each year by alcohol. Katherine Gonzales was lead researcher on the study. She said: “It’s really important to drive home that excessive alcohol use is a leading cause of preventable death. It really is right up there with tobacco and physical inactivity, especially among working-age adults.”
What Are Alcohol-Related Deaths?
In general, any accident or medical emergency that resulted in death and included alcohol at any point by any party is considered an alcohol-related death. For the purposes of the study, the following are some of the alcohol-related deaths that were most commonly seen:
- Drowning
- Car accident
- Firearm injury
- Injury sustained at work
- Illnesses (e.g., high blood pressure, cancer, fetal alcohol syndrome, etc.)
Preventable Death
It’s important to note that deaths related to or caused by alcohol are highly preventable. Even in the case of addiction where a person is unable to manage their compulsion to drink, it is possible to slow down the issues related to alcohol-caused illness or significantly decrease the risk of an alcohol-related death by enrolling in an evidence-based treatment program. It is never too late to address the problem of alcohol abuse or addiction through professional therapeutic intervention.
What Is Evidence-Based Treatment?
Evidence-based treatment is any therapy that has been proven through scientific research to be an effective option in the treatment of alcohol abuse or addiction. There are a number of different types of therapy – some traditional, some alternative and some holistic in nature – that fall into this category. But which ones will be most effective in your loved one’s treatment program? It depends on the specific needs of your loved one. An intensive evaluation that leads to an informed diagnosis of all issues that create obstacles to a life of sobriety is the best way to start. This allows the treatment team to incorporate the therapies that provided directed assistance for your loved one’s specific issues, thus increasing the rate of progress in recovery. Need more information about how to start your loved one on the most effective treatment program possible? Contact us at Axis and learn more about our rehabilitation options today.
