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Alcohol
is the number one drug of abuse in the United States. The cost associated
with alcohol use/abuse (health, social services, insurance rates,
lower productivity, etc.), are approximately three times the cost
related to all illegal drugs combined. |
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The
average age of first experimentation with alcohol and other drugs
is eight years old in the U.S. |
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The
earlier in life a person starts using alcohol or any drug, the more
likely he\she is to experience dependence. |
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It
takes less alcohol to produce intoxication in youth than adults. |
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Adolescents
can become addicted to alcohol faster than adults. Addiction can occur
within 1-2 years of regular use by adolescents, normally 5-20 years
in adults. |
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Modern
research indicates increasing evidence that heredity is a major contributing
factor in the disease of alcoholism. Children from alcoholic families
are at a much higher risk, (4-9 times) of developing alcoholism. |
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Most
alcoholics are well accepted members of the community, only 3-5% of
alcoholics are skid-row bums. |
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Chronic
alcohol consumption causes damage to many body organs, brain, liver,
heart, stomach, intestines, and mouth. |
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The
alcohol content in a 12oz beer, 5oz glass of wine, and 1½oz
of 80 proof liquor is approximately the same. |
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The
use/abuse of alcohol and driving is closely associated with the leading
causes of death among adolescents. |
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The
earlier in the progression of alcoholism that a person is treated,
the greater the chances for recovery. |
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Tobacco
is a "GATEWAY" drug for many youth. A gateway drug is a
drug that someone will begin to use prior to other drugs. |
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The
average age for the first experimentation with tobacco and other "gateway"
drugs is eight (8) years old. |
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The
earlier in life a person begins using tobacco or other drugs, the
more likely he\she is to experience physical and\or mental dependence.
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Smoking
and smokeless tobacco both contain NICOTINE which is the most addictive
"legal" drug on the market! |
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Nicotine
stimulates the central nervous system, (CNS), causing a sharp rise
in blood pressure and heart rate, constricting of the blood vessels,depresses
muscular reactions and reducing sensitivity to pain and stress. |
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The
use/abuse of tobacco is among the major cause of heart disease, lung
cancer and the primary cause of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
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Chronic
users of tobacco products often have impaired senses of taste and
smell, less physical stamina, and poorer execution of motor tasks.
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Use
of tobacco is often associated with common everyday activities such
as drinking a cup of coffee, answering the phone, and driving. |
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Chronic
tobacco consumption causes a user's skin to age and wrinkle prematurely
and female users have a higher incidence of unsuccessful pregnancies,
stillbirths and lower weight babies. |
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The
average cigarette contains over 4000 naturally occurring gases, particles,
and compounds including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen
cyanide, traces of arsenic, carcinogens, tar and nicotine. |
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Smokeless
tobacco induce a higher blood-nicotine level, which is sustained for
longer periods since users tend to chew or dip for extended periods
of time. |
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The
earlier in the progression of addiction that a person is treated,
the greater the chance for recovery. |
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