Today is Cinco de Mayo, a day for many Americans and Mexican-Americans with hispanic ancestry to celebrate with delicious mexican food and drinks. This day in Mexico is usually celebrated most in the state of Puebla de Los Angeles where the battle happened that made this day so popular. On May 5, 1862 the vastly outnumbered and poorly supplied Mexicans, led by Texas-born General Ignacio Zaragoza, fought off the French soldiers. Although not a major strategic win in the overall war against the French, Zaragoza’s success at Puebla on May 5 represented a great symbolic victory for the Mexican government and bolstered the resistance movement. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is widely interpreted as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with substantial Mexican-American populations. Chicano activists raised awareness of the holiday in the 1960s, in part because they identified with the victory of indigenous Mexicans over European invaders during the Battle of Puebla. Today, revelers mark the occasion with parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and traditional foods such as tacos and mole poblano. Today there is a new battle that Mexican-Americans are fighting and that is one against alcohol and drug addiction.
Addiction Rates Among Latinos in Utah
The U.S. Census estimated that 411,143 Hispanics resided in Utah in 2015, about 13.7 percent of the state’s population of 3 million, about one in every seven residents. Since the 2010 census, Utah’s Latino population grew by 52,803 people. By that number we can assume there are at least another 20,000 today. The 2016 Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Annual Report stated that 17% of people served in Substance Use Disorder Services in Utah were Hispanic. According to the 2015 Utah Student Health and Risk Prevention Needs Assessment Survey, Hispanic students in all grades surveyed, the most abused illicit substance was inhalants, followed closely by prescription sedatives, and hallucinogens. The opioid epidemic that is affecting the nation, and Utah especially, is affecting all people including hispanics of all ages.
Finding a Drug Rehab in Utah
To fight this new battle it is important to start advising your children about the dangers of drug use and addiction at a young age. For those that are in the throes of addiction it is important to get treatment, the sooner the better. To make sure that you receive quality care it is important to find a center that is state-licensed and what, if any, accreditation they may have. It is important to look at the credentials of the staff and find out if a 24/7 nursing staff is available. Another good thing to look for is the counselor to patient ratio, to ensure that you receive the quality care and attention you need to maintain your sobriety. Rehabilitation facilities should allow you to come in and see where you will be spending your time. You will want to make sure they are hospitable and clean, either yourself or through references. Detoxing from certain drugs can be dangerous and any facility being considered should offer a supervised detox period. This is the first step in the recovery process and will allow you to withdraw safely, ensure your health, and increase the chances for commitment to sobriety.
You will want to find a drug rehab in Utah that teaches some type of life skills program, to help you deal with the stress and problems of everyday life after treatment. There is no way to avoid stressors or temptations after treatment, the best way to maintain sobriety is by having the skills to recognize the situation and find something other than your substance to solve the problem. The life skills program will also help reteach basic responsible thinking, morals, problem solving, and healthy ways to deal with emotions that may have been compromised during times of drug abuse.
Get Help for Addiction Now
One of the biggest aides in maintaining sobriety after treatment is finding ongoing support. Look for facilities that offer aftercare or alumni programs that allow you to find new sober activities and support systems. Using this extended care can be the difference between relapse and sobriety. Take this battle, your health, and sobriety serious. For more information on how to get you or your loved one help, call us toll-free: 1-888-986-7848.
