Arizona

Alcoholism and drug and alcohol abuse are extremely serious but preventable problems which must be addressed in the state of Arizona. Besides the fact that drug and alcohol use are problems in themselves, this behavior often leads to other problems and serious consequences for so many residents in the state. For example, seven of the top ten leading causes of death in Arizona are caused by some form of substance abuse. Suicide and homicide in Arizona are also very often prompted by alcohol or drug consumption, which are among the top 15 leading causes of death in the state.

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism, including binge drinking among both adults in youth in the state, are cause for serious concern due to the potential consequences of this. For instance, about one in five Arizona males admits to binge drinking in the past 30 days. Among high school aged youth in the state, females actually report a slightly higher rate of current drinking than their male counterparts. Regardless of gender or age, the results of binge drinking and alcoholism are evident in the state including many drunk driving fatalities each year and other serious consequences. In 2009 for example, the estimated economic loss due to DUI related fatalities, injuries and property damage in Arizona totaled about $485 million.

In regards to illicit drugs of abuse and other drugs, including diverted pharmaceuticals, Arizona is faced with a problem which has only seemed to worsen in recent years. Like most other states in the country, rates of abuse of prescription pain killers and the aftermath of this abuse is a serious cause for concern. This problem is evident in the significant increases in rates of emergency room visits and hospital admissions seen in Arizona in recent years. The problem of opioid abuse doesnt stop there, as many individuals who become addicted to prescription pain killers in the state continue on to heroin. This problem is very scary, when one considers that since 2006, prescription pain killers have been the most commonly misused prescription drugs among high school students in Arizona.

To save Arizona residents of any age and gender from their own demise, whether they are abusing alcohol or any other drug, effective treatment must be made available. There are many well known publicly funded programs, groups and even meetings that residents can attend. For more serious cases of addiction and abuse, individuals will be much better off choosing a private inpatient or residential drug rehab program which can often be paid for by insurance. Inpatient and residential drug rehab programs in Arizona which require a significant stay, of at least 90 days or longer, are going to be the more superior options and ones which have been proven to offer the best and most evident results. It can seem like a long stay and a big commitment, but this is often what it takes to beat the problem. Individuals who choose to do a less intensive course of treatment or take part in outpatient treatment in Arizona for example often do not fare well.