Despite the popularity of drugs like amphetamines and marijuana in Texas, alcohol remains the substance of choice for most users. Further, alcohol abuse statistics indicate that this fondness develops early. In fact, just over half of Texas secondary students have experimented with alcohol according to the 2014 Texas School Survey. 21.2% percent of them reported drinking at least once within the last month.
The Risks of Youth Alcohol Abuse
Dealing with alcoholism during the formative years of adolescence and young adulthood can have effects that last for decades. Alcohol addiction can impact a person’s ability to develop and maintain relationships as well as their performance in school or at work.
Alcohol abuse statistics show that the earlier a person starts drinking, the more likely they are to develop alcohol addiction down the road. Researchers believe that alcohol affects teens’ developing brains, essentially programming them to want more alcohol.
The Long-Term Dangers of Alcohol
With alcohol so readily available, and legal for adults over 21, many don’t believe it to be that dangerous. However, regular alcohol abuse can lead to a variety of health conditions. While young people often don’t have concerns about long-term consequences, they should be aware that the habits they form now can have severe impacts on their quality of life down the road.
Conditions that the long-term abuse of alcohol can cause include:
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cirrhosis
- Pancreatitis
- Depression
- Dementia
- Nerve damage
The best way to avoid these outcomes is to seek alcoholism treatment as early as possible.
Don’t Let Texas Alcohol Abuse Statistics Scare You
While these alcohol abuse statistics may seem bleak, things are actually much better than they used to be. In fact, when the Texas School Survey began in 1990, 81% of secondary students reported using alcohol experimentally. In 2014, this number was closer to 50%.
As you can see, things are improving, but there’s still work to do. Decreasing the rate of alcohol use in teens can prevent the need for alcohol rehab once they become adults. However, if the need for treatment arises, comprehensive care is available.
Alcohol Abuse Treatment at Driftwood Recovery
Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood, Texas features an 85-acre campus, giving you the perfect environment to recover. It doesn’t matter whether you’re dealing with alcohol abuse, an addiction to another substance, or even chronic pain — Driftwood can help you heal. Our expert staff can guide you toward sobriety, no matter when your addiction began.
We provide a variety of addiction therapies, including:
- Yoga therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Experiential therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Psychotherapy
While certain Texas alcohol abuse statistics can be discouraging, use them as fuel for change. Reaching out for help is a courageous decision and one that you are capable of making. For more information about alcoholism treatment, reach out to us at 866-426-4694.