The abuse of drugs or alcohol is not limited to any particular age group. However, the middle years are a time when a substance abuse problem can turn life into turmoil. For example, a problem drinker can turn into a full blown alcoholic when confronted with the personal or physical problems that can develop in the middle years. Serious health problems often can occur before drinkers reach the state of addiction or chronic use. Some of the serious diseases associated with chronic alcohol use include cancers of the liver, stomach, colon, larynx, esophagus, and breast.
Alcohol abuse can also lead to other serious physical problems.
These problems include damage to the brain, pancreas, and kidneys. High blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes, hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver are all common byproducts of alcoholism. In addition to these physical ailments, many people lose their lives each year in alcohol related automobile crashes, drownings, and suicides. Illegal drugs are a major public health concern and social problem. In addition to personal harm and health problems, drug use can have criminal and financial consequences.