A recent study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that nearly 1 in 5 fatal accidents have a common factor: impairment.
“Many individuals believe that impairment while driving involves only alcohol,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside
Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center. “That’s just not the case. Impairment, whether caused by alcohol or even prescription drugs, is dangerous and can even prove deadly. It is important for individuals to realize that just because their medication may be prescribed by a doctor, it doesn’t mean that it’s safe to use in any way, or, in any situation. It may sound like one of the stickers on the side of a medicine bottle, but even if your medication impairs you slightly, you shouldn’t ‘drive or operate heavy machinery’.”
During the course of their studies, the NHTSA was only able to test results for about 66% of all drivers who were killed. Yet, since 2005, the NHTSA has reported that accident fatalities involving drugs have steadily increased. The types of drugs which were revealed through testing include narcotics, stimulants cannabinoids, phencyclidines (PCPs), stimulants, inahlants and anabolic steroids. Their studies include illicit drugs as well as those which were legally prescribed and obtained, in addition to over-the-counter medications.
The NTHSA is increasing efforts to prevent drug related road fatalities through these types of studies and, hopefully, through these studies, it will encourage more states to adopt a policy of drug consumption testing following fatal accidents.
For the past 12 years, Mountainside has established itself as an innovator within the addiction treatment field and the treatment modalities Mountainside utilizes are regarded as among the most cutting-edge approaches in helping individuals get and remain sober.
The compassionate, caring treatment team at Mountainside is comprised of licensed and certified counselors and social workers as well as a Nurse Practitioner and a Registered Nurse, both of whom have specialization and extensive experience in drug addiction and alcohol treatment. For clients who may have psychiatric issues and/or a dual diagnosis, Mountainside provides the services of a Psychiatrist who also has specialization in addictions. As a result of their unique, innovative approaches to addiction treatment over the past 12 years, Mountainside has become the model for the addiction treatment field.
The program, along with its professional addiction treatment team, have earned national recognition and resulted in Mountainside being invited to Washington by the White House to meet with the White House Drug Czar, John P. Waters, for an in-depth meeting on what makes its program so successful. These accolades did not go unnoticed within the addiction treatment field and resulted in the adoption by many throughout the country of a more holistic approach to drug addiction treatment.
If you or someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol, or if you have any questions, please contact Mountainside
Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center for a confidential inquiry at 800-762-5433.
