When we use the term epidemic, we are not being melodramatic. Please take a look at this, especially your teens.
“According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prescription drugs have quickly become the nations most misused drug. In this infographic we’ve compiled some telling facts regarding the rates of prescription drug overdose in the United States. We also examine where drug abusers are getting prescription painkillers and which states have the highest drug overdose rates. The creation of new drug treatment and prevention programs is more important than ever. ”
January 26, 2013
We live in a time when it’s common to predict our risk for developing serious illnesses. Women take tests for a “breast cancer gene.” Our ratio of “good” to “bad” cholesterol indicates our likelihood of heart disease. Our family history suggests whether or not we might develop diabetes.
In all of these areas, and many more, awareness of our personal risk factors helps us take better care of ourselves. We can keep an eye out for symptoms, change risky behaviors, even prevent some diseases before they occur.
This is clearly true for chemical dependency as well. While no factor is an absolute predictor that a person will become addicted, certain factors do indicate – some strongly – a predisposition towards the disease.
The most important? Alcoholism or addiction in the family.