Current Events
Summer Holidays Remain Risky In Terms of Drinking and Driving Dangers
Heading out for a drive in the summer can be more dangerous than many people realize, due to increased likelihood of drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In fact, the U.S. Department of Transportation says that the summer holidays – Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Independence Day – are second in terms of accidents with injuries or fatal accidents, with Thanksgiving taking first place. During the past decades, the summer holidays have seen a rise in fatal car accidents, and a significant rise in accidents related to alcohol.
Hypertension and Binge Drinking Don’t Mix
Hypertension places a person at risk for a stroke or a heart attack. When this condition is combined with binge drinking, the individual’s risk of dying from that stroke or heart attack is greatly increased.
This finding was shared in a recent report in My Fox Detroit as part of a study conducted by South Korean researchers. The study determined that for men with blood pressure at a minimum of 168/100, the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease was four times higher than non-drinkers if they had consumed six drinks on one occasion.
Consuming as many as 12 drinks on one occasion raised their risk of dying from stroke or heart attack up to 12-fold. As a result, researchers suggest that the pattern of drinking matters more than the total volume of alcohol per week when examining the risk of stroke mortality.
Dr. Heechoul Ohrr, a professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine at Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seoul, and lead researcher on this study, suggests that it is especially important for those with high blood pressure to avoid having 12 drinks or more on one occasion.
This warning could easily be extended out to anyone with hypertension who may also have a tendency to want to engage in binge drinking. These activities significantly increase the likelihood of death due to pre-existing conditions. As a result, anyone with hypertension would be better off and assumable much safer if they simple avoided alcohol altogether.
National Anti-Drug Campaign Proves Effective
When it comes to substance use, prevention and education is far preferred to the toils of withdrawal and recovery. Among teens, this is especially important. Those who are exposed to drugs during the teen years often begin a long addiction, exposing themselves to the risks associated with those drugs while their brains and bodies are still developing.
SoberFace Social Media Tool is Anonymous Support For Recovery, and Families
They update their “wall” and their status. They join chat groups and talk about the evening’s activities. They post pictures of their spouses and their children. One hour at a time, they work through recovery, connected by a new social media tool – SoberFace.
Former Korn Guitar Player Faces Addiction
From heavy metal to heavy recovery, Brian “Head” Welch, the former guitarist for multi-award winning hard rock band Korn, has come through an addiction battle with methamphetamine and alcohol that is leading even his own fans to give up their addictions.
States Explore Tougher Strategies against Hard-Core Drunk Drivers
Drunk drivers continue to be the cause of thousands of lost lives each year in the U.S., but now several states are taking a closer look at the “hard-core” drunk driver, who typically has a blood alcohol content twice that of the legal limit and has had numerous previous drunk driving offenses.
Drunk Driver Ordered to Pay Victim’s Estate Half a Million Dollars
The following is a cautionary tale about the financial consequences of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. Although damages to those injured by a drunk driver’s conduct are often covered by the drunk driver’s vehicle insurance, damages are not the only financial considerations. As part of a state’s criminal law scheme, many judges award restitution to a victim who suffers financial loss due to the criminal activity of the defendant. Often, these restitution awards are not covered by insurance policies and must be paid out of the defendant’s own pocket. This is especially problematic when the drunk driver is married and assets are commingled or when the person’s major asset is the home that his family lives in.
Poker Players Taking Risks with Drugs
Poker players often sit at the table for hours at a time, working to concentrate on their game. Players may fight to stay awake, and maintaining focus to stay in the game can be a difficult challenge.
Penalties for Refusing DUI Test Can Include Fines and Jail Time
As part of state and federal efforts to save lives on the road, drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs who want to “just say no” to a breathalyzer or other sobriety test may face serious penalties. Strict measures for refusing a DUI test are increasing in importance, especially when it comes to punishing repeat offenders, who may be searching for ways to avoid new arrests.
Older Adults Experience Dizziness, and Possible Falls, From Sleep Aids
Sleep problems are not uncommon among the elderly population, with millions of older adults complaining of the situation to physicians every year. In turn, many sedative prescriptions are also given to people over age 60 – but the benefits and the possible negative side effects should be closely considered, according to results of two research reviews.
Need Help Finding an Intervention Specialist?
We can refer you to an experienced interventionist who can help you help your loved one.
The Addiction Primer: Everything You Need to Know to Get Help for a Loved One
A very inexpensive yet indispensable guide for anyone struggling with a loved one's addiction. Chapters on intervention, what to expect from rehab, and information on how addiction impacts the family.
