Tiger Woods, the once venerated golfer who had a sharp decline in recent years, is going back to rehab after his recent arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence. While celebrity DUIs typically get more than their fair share of the news cycle, many healthcare officials are taking notice that this is the second time Woods has had to enter an inpatient rehab center due to the effects of mixing drugs, in this case, Vicodin, a prescription painkiller, and Xanax, a benzodiazepine often used to treat anxiety disorders. Unfortunately, these dangerous concoctions can lead to more than just DUIs.
In fact, mixing drugs has quietly become a major problem that have rehab and detox centers on high alert; research shows that in one recent year, almost 18,000 drug overdose deaths involved two or more drugs, as well as alcohol involvement in almost 17% of those deaths as well.
Mental Illness Often Aligns with Substance Abuse Disorders
Research shows that when people struggle with substance abuse as well as mental illness, the condition is called co-occurring disorder, and as recently as 2014, about 7.9 million adults reportedly suffered from the disease. These disorders require a dual diagnosis treatment.
Often those that are dealing with the challenges of mental health disorders may look to minimize their symptoms through prescription drugs, such as Xanax or Valium, while others look to self-medicate through alcohol, marijuana, or “harder” illicit drugs.
In the Woods case, pain associated with multiple back surgeries likely contributes to his use of strong prescription pain drugs. Many people take Xanax to treat mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression, two of the most common types in America.
Studies show that over half of people who suffer from mental illnesses fail to get professional treatment. This often leads to experimentation with various substances in an effort to symptoms. Trying to find the right concoction to minimize the impact of mental health disorders can often lead to deadly combinations of alcohol, prescription opioids, and illegal drugs.
Furthermore, even those that do receive treatment for mental health disorders may not get comprehensive treatment for their co-occurring disorder. Thus, while they may be prescribed an anti-anxiety remedy, such as Xanax, they may not notify their physician of their issues with alcohol abuse. Mixing alcohol with psychoactive drugs, even those properly prescribed, can often lead to severe health consequences, and even death.
One report found that 95% of overdose deaths involving dangerous concoctions of Valium or Xanax also involved other drugs or alcohol.
Teens Creating Dangerous Concoctions
Health officials at inpatient rehab centers across the country are worrying that the problem of mixing drugs and dangerous substances won’t be going away any time soon, as research indicates that teenagers notoriously abuse prescribed opioids alongside a range of other substances.
In fact, one five-year study found that one out of every eight high school seniors recreationally used prescription opioids. The study also found that teens combined the abused prescribed drug with at least one other illicit substance 70% of the time. In addition, more than half of teens that abused prescription drugs mixed that drug with either alcohol or marijuana, leading to potentially dangerous consequences.
Thinking of Checking into Rehab?
For many people who are on the fence about entering rehab, the thought of missing out on a fix or going through a detox program can be very scary.
At Morningside Recovery, we take into account the overall circumstances of your addiction. Every situation is unique, and whether you have an addiction to drugs or alcohol, or facing the challenges of mental health disorders, we can help set you on the path to long-term sobriety as soon as you walk through the door.
We offer a full-service inpatient rehab facility that can help you detox from any substance that has you in its grips. Plus, we can give you the essential therapy that helps you cope with future temptation.
Dangerous concoctions of substances and substance addiction are no joke. For more information about how we can help you achieve sustainable sobriety, call us at 855-631-2135. Our helpline is open 24/7 and our specialists will work with you to help find the treatment option that works for you.
