THE PROBLEM
AMONG YOUNG ADULTS
WHO BECOME DRUNKS
THERE IS AN 8-10 YEAR LAG
BEFORE TREATMENT IS SOUGHT
LOST GENERATION
At some time during their lives, more than 30 percent of U.S. adults surveyed in 2001-2002 had met current diagnostic criteria for an alcohol use disorder (AUD), according to an article in the current issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry. Many of those persons never received treatment, and many others did not receive treatment until well after AUD onset.
Of those with alcohol dependence, only 24.1 percent had received any type of treatment, broadly defined to include treatment either by a physician or other health professional, or by 12-step programs, crisis centers, employee assistance programs, or others. Of those with alcohol abuse, only 7.0 percent had received treatment. Although average age of alcohol dependence onset was 22.5 years, average age of first treatment was 29.8—a lag time of 8 years. Average age of alcohol abuse onset was 21.9 years, but average age of first treatment was 32.1—a lag time of 10 years.
“A lost decade between AUD onset and treatment leads to personal disability and societal damage,” according to National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Director Ting-Kai Li, M.D. “Today’s report signals the need for intensive efforts to educate professionals and the public to identify and address AUDs early in their course.”
Alcoholism & drug addiction needs to be identified and treated as early as possible. Do not ignore the problem, it will not go away.
"There's a hole in the world tonight.
There's a cloud of fear and sorrow.
Don't let there be a hole in the world tomorrow."
--Eagles, Don Henley
THE HARD TRUTH
Of those with alcohol abuse , only 7.0 percent had received treatment. Although average age of alcohol dependence onset was 22.5 years, average age of first treatment was 29.8—a lag time of 8 years. Average age of alcohol abuse onset was 21.9 years, but average age of first treatment was 32.1—a lag time of 10 years.
DON'T TELL ANYONE ABOUT IT...
It is not always obvious or easy to determine if a loved one has a problem with alcohol. Alcohol could be subtly affecting your loved one and your relationship. People with addiction issues often hide or deny the extent of their addiction issues.
No single action or even several of them indicate a secret alcoholic for certain. However, there are common subtle signs that someone may have a pre-occupation with or over-reliance on alcohol. Alcoholism is a disease that does not go away, however it can be treated.
If you suspect someone you love may have a problem with alcohol, look for ways to get help. Email me below, I will find out what I can do. I will help.