While alcohol is among the top substances that impair drivers, many don’t realize that other legal drugs cause impairment too.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration recently released a report that indicated that 33 percent of motor vehicle fatalities involved drugs of some sort. As a result of that study, President Obama officially declared December as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.

“It’s all about awareness,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center . “When the President of the United States declares a certain month or certain day as an official day of recognition, it brings the issue to the forefront of our collective minds. I’m certain that many understand that drinking and driving are dangerous. But, those same people may think that driving under the influence of a prescribed medication is perfectly acceptable when, in fact, it’s not. Making the public aware that this problem exists is the first step in preventing traffic fatalities.”

Every year there are thousands of drivers, as well as passengers, who die while being under the influence of either legal or illegal substances. It’s important for all citizens to remember to make responsible decisions as a driver and passenger prior to taking medications which can alter one’s mental state.

President Obama has made combating impaired driving a priority in drug control and has set a goal of reduction of impaired driving related accidents by 10 percent by 2015. In order to do this, the Obama Administration is encouraging states to explore expanding state laws that would address this serious issue. In addition, law enforcement is working closely with the National Institute on Drug Abuse and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to incorporate proper training which will assist officers to more easily identify drivers who are impaired from a substance other than alcohol.

Long an advocate of education through awareness, Mountainside has established itself as an innovator within the addiction treatment field; its treatment modalities are regarded as among the most cutting-edge approaches in helping individuals to get and to remain sober. In addition, its work in drug abuse prevention has been recognized on a national as well as global level.

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.

Via EPR Network
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