Drinking alcohol decreases a person’s ability to make wise choices. It also impacts a person’s motor skills, which slows reaction time dramatically. It is these effects of alcohol that make drinking and driving the great danger that it is. However, driving isn’t the only mode of transportation that is threatened when someone drinks. The safety of even the most innocuous mode of travel may be at risk: drinking and walking.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 4,432 pedestrians were killed in 2011 across the nation. More than 1,500 of these pedestrians were legally drunk. That means that more than one in every three pedestrians who was killed was also intoxicated.
A representative with the Governors Highway Safety Program points out that the effectiveness of campaigns against drunk driving may be keeping people from getting behind the wheel. One unintended outcome of these campaigns’ success is that more habitual drinkers are walking rather than driving. The NHTSA hopes that those who choose to drink habitually will also learn to recognize the dangers associate with walking while intoxicated.
What Should I Expect From Alcohol Treatment?
Regular or irregular alcohol abuse or binge drinking is detrimental to a person’s health, relationships and their life in general. Due to the changes in the brain that occur while an individual is under the influence of alcohol, it can be difficult for the person to recognize the need for treatment or to take steps on their own to enroll in appropriate treatment services.
The role of an alcohol treatment program is to help the individual to stop drinking and using any illicit substance while equipping them with the tools they need to stay sober for the long-term. The following is a list of the major components that an effective alcohol rehab program will provide to the drinker who is ready to embark on a new, more positive lifestyle:
- Detoxification. This process is also known as “drying out” or detox, and it occurs when the drinker stops drinking. This withdrawal process can be physically demanding and is usually medically managed, the first stage in a comprehensive treatment program.
- Behavioral therapies. Numerous forms of counseling can be used to assist those in recovery to put an end to old habits associated with alcohol abuse and address underlying emotional and psychological issues. These therapies also assist the individual in forming new habits to avoid relapse.
- Aftercare. Once treatment is complete, some form of continuing care and support is always needed. Continued personal therapy, 12-step groups or other support groups, alternative and holistic healing options – the patient can personalize their combination of care options to suit their needs.
Putting an End to Alcohol Abuse
If you believe that someone you love needs help saying “no” to alcohol, we at Axis are here to help. To speak to a representative about treatment, call us at the number above today. Learn more about the process of recovery and how a treatment program can make a difference in your loved one’s life.
