There is a heavily researched and clearly defined connection between substance abuse and an increase in risk-taking behavior. Because chemical substances reduce inhibitions and severely compromise rational thinking, it makes sense that men and women who use drugs take more risks and do things that they would not otherwise do. For example, the National Library of Medicine recently published an article titled, “Perceived Exposure to Substance Use and Risk-taking Behavior in Early Adolescence: Cross-sectional Study.” This study suggests that adolescents and young adults who start smoking marijuana or using any other chemical substance before the age of 18 are more likely to gather in potentially dangerous and secluded places, stay out later at night, gamble with their peers, and skip classes. Some other examples of common risk-taking behaviors that are linked to drug abuse include:
- Driving while under the influence of drugs
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Engaging in unprotected sex with multiple partners
- Carrying weapons
- Engaging in intentional self-harm
- Committing an assault or domestic violence
- Staying in a violent or unhealthy/toxic relationship
- Speeding
- Neglecting to use seatbelts
- Sharing needles (as far as intravenous drug use)
One of the most dangerous – and often deadly – examples of risk-taking behavior is driving while under the influence of drugs. If you know someone who regularly drives while intoxicated, seeking professional treatment is extremely important. For more information, reach out to Evoke Wellness at Miramar today. 
Dangers of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an estimated 12.6 million Americans over the age of 16 drove while high on illicit drugs in the year 2018 alone. Marijuana is the chemical substance that is most frequently found in the blood of drivers who have been involved in a lethal motor vehicle accident.
Is Drinking While on Marijuana Safe?
Many men and women smoke marijuana before driving, believing that it doesn’t have the same effects as alcohol or other drugs and that it is safe to use regardless of whether or not they are on the road. The truth is that driving while under the influence of marijuana can be just as difficult and dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. In addition to marijuana, prescription drugs are often linked to motor vehicle accidents and drugged driving fatalities. During the year 2016, roughly 19.7 percent of all men and women who drove while intoxicated tested positive for a prescription opioid, like hydrocodone or oxycodone.
When to Ask for Professional Drug Addiction Help
It can be difficult to tell when someone is driving under the influence of drugs, because there are no roadside tests that can detect drug use, and because many drunk drivers also test positive for drugs – but they have already been booked for a DUI (or, in some cases, they have already lost their lives to intoxicated driving). So how do you know when to seek help? A good rule of thumb is this – if you are driving under the influence at all, you should probably consider seeking help. Of course, try to quit drug use on your own before checking into a drug rehab – but if you repeatedly find yourself getting behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated, even though you know you shouldn’t be, there is no harm in reaching out for extra support and guidance. When it comes to driving under the influence of drugs, your first mistake might very well be your last.
Evoke Wellness at Miramar and Drug Addiction Recovery
At Evoke Wellness at Miramar we treat men and women of all ages who have been suffering from a drug abuse disorder of any severity. Many negative consequences go hand-in-hand with long-term drug abuse, and our main priority is ensuring that these consequences remain minimal and are adequately worked through in a safe and supportive setting. If you have promised yourself that you were never going to drive while high on drugs only to find yourself behind the wheel, we are available to help. Simply give us a call to learn more about our recovery program, or to begin your lifelong journey of drug addiction recovery.
