Substance addiction is a horrible condition. Unfortunately, it is all too common in the United States. A 2011 survey reveled that an estimated 22.5 million Americans, over the age of 12 years old, had used an illegal drug or abused a legal prescription drug. What is particularly troubling is that number of Americans who had used an illegal drug or abused a legal prescription drug between the ages of 50 to 59 years old tripled between 2002 and 2011, according to the National Institutes of Health. While drug abuse draws a lot of attention, alcohol abuse can be just as serious.

A 2011 study showed that 30% of men and 13.9% of women, 12 years old and older, reported binge drinking in the past month. Binge drinking is defined as having five or more drinks on the same occasion. Binge drinking is a common manifestation of alcoholism. Unfortunately, many people who suffer from alcoholism fail to recognize their addiction until it is too late. If not addressed quickly, alcoholism can cause damage to the central nervous system and organs in the body. This can cause a person’s speech and motor skills to become affected. Eventually, a person can develop diseases of the liver, and may even require a liver transplant. There are also social consequences to drinking, such as trouble with the law, loss of employment, and difficulty with relationships.

Fortunately, there are options for alcoholics who want help. There are many alcohol detox centers and alcohol treatment programs available. An alcohol addiction detox center will provide an individual with a safe and confidential environment to receive help in their battle with alcoholism. Alcoholics may also be prescribed a drug called Naltrexone. Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist that helps manage alcohol dependence. To find alcohol addiction detox centers in Fort Lauderdale, search online or in the yellow pages. Do not wait to get help if you are suffering from alcoholism. For more about this, go here.