Combining Drug Use with Underage Drinking Raises Risks

A new study found that underage drinkers (ages 12 to 20) who were treated in hospital emergency departments were more than twice as likely to wind up with a serious health outcome if they also used drugs at the same time.

The study, sponsored the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) said these serious outcomes included hospitalization, transfer to another health care facility following their emergency department visit, or death.

According to the study released by SAMHSA today, 20 percent of all hospital emergency department visits involving underage drinkers resulted in the patients having serious health outcomes. However, while 12 percent of these visits involving underage drinking alone resulted in these serious outcomes, the rate rose to 33 percent among those visits involving both underage drinking and concurrent drug use.

 “The 9.3 million underage drinkers across America are putting their health and futures at risk – even more so when they combine alcohol with drugs,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde.

SAMHSA’s underage drinking prevention campaign, “Talk. They Hear You., ” helps parents and caregivers connect with their child on the risks of underage drinking.  PSAs and online interactive tools, as part of the campaign, provide parents and caregivers modeling opportunities for initiating the conversation about alcohol.

BioCorRx, Inc. BICXChief Operating Officer Brady Grainier warned against the health risks of underage drinking and substance abuse and cited the need to address these concerns. He commented, “I know we have heard this a million times, but it’s important to continue to repeat it. Parents need to talk to their children about alcohol and drugs. Don’t assume that they are not being exposed to it just because you don’t hear about it.”

BioCorRx, Inc. has developed an innovative approach to alcohol and opioid abuse treatment called the Start Fresh Program that is believed by some experts to be a “game-changer” in the rehabilitation sector.

The Start Fresh Program is a two-tiered program used by local addiction clinics across the United States which involves an outpatient medical procedure and psycho-social coaching. 

At the same time, SAMHSA has partnered with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy to fund Drug Free Community (DFC) coalitions in more than 600 communities nationwide.  The DFC coalitions recruit, train, and welcome parents and youth volunteers to strengthen collaboration among community members and reduce drinking and drug use among youth. These coalitions work to support the health, safety, and well-being of their communities, families, youth, and the systems and organizations that prevent substance abuse.

According to Grainier, BioCoRx’s first component involves an outpatient medical procedure to embed a biodegradable naltrexone implant under theabdominal skin and fatty tissue. The implant then delivers therapeutic levels of the antagonist drug, naltrexone, into the bloodstream which can curb one’s cravings for alcohol or opioids.

The second tier of the program involves a private, one-on-one coaching program to address the specific needs of the alcoholics and addicts, as well as to help him or her plan for a life free from substance abuse.

Learn more information about the Start Fresh Program and about possible investment opportunities with BioCorRx, Inc. by visiting its new investor relations website www.BICXcorp.com.