Did you know that: Mixing alcohol and other drugs together can lead to serious physical, behavioural and health complications

Alcoholism increases the likelihood of developing co-occurring conditions such as a substance use disorder. Mixing alcohol and other drugs together can lead to serious physical, behavioral and health complications. Not only can drinking and drugs increase the effects of each substance, it can also trigger dangerous interactions.

At least 18 people have been killed and 170 injured in a passenger train derailment in north-east Taiwan. Railway authorities say they are investigating the accident, which happened in Yilan County at about 16:50 local time (08:50 GMT) on Sunday.

BBC reports that a total of 366 people were on the train travelling between Taipei and the eastern county of Taitung when all eight of its carriages derailed.

The authorities now say they have freed everyone from the wreckage.

The Puyuma Express 6432 service reportedly came off the tracks close to Xinma station, near the town of Su’ao about 70km (43 miles) from Taipei.

The deputy chief of the Taiwan Railways Administration, Lu Chieh-shen, told a news conference on Sunday that the train was only six years old and had been in “pretty good condition” before the accident.

It is not immediately clear what caused the train to derail, but witnesses told local media they heard a loud noise then sparks and smoke.

Emergency medical responders and firefighters are helping the injured and the defence ministry says it has sent 120 soldiers to help with rescue efforts.

 Witnesses reported having to break windows to escape the carriages, and dozens of injured have been transported to local hospitals.

An AFP news agency reporter at the scene said more bodies were being removed from the damaged carriages at about 20:00 local time (12:00 GMT) on Sunday night.

Reports say an American citizen was lightly injured in the accident.

Photographs from the scene show seats upended, with parts of the railway tracks twisted through carriage windows in places.

Taiwan’s leader, Tsai Ing-wen, described the accident as a “major tragedy” on Twitter.

“My thoughts are with all the victims and their families,” she added.

Taiwan has an extensive train network and more than half a million passengers travel on the system every day.

 

Alcohol and substance abuse can start out as a mild problem and gradually turn into more severe problems. For example, a person may mix small amounts of alcohol with a drug. Over time, their body becomes dependent on the chemicals released by each substance and begins craving more. After you’ve built a tolerance to both substances, you may increase the amount consumed in order to avoid experiencing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. In these cases, some individuals may turn to more addictive substances – heroin, cocaine and ecstasy – to experience an intensified high.

Recognizing the warning signs of of alcohol and substance abuse is key to getting help early. If left untreated over a long period of time, problems with drinking and drugs can escalate and become life-threatening.

 

Recognizing a Drug and Alcohol Problem

While some symptoms of alcohol and drug abuse are noticeable and can be caught early on, others may not be as recognizable. Warning signs sometimes go unnoticed when an individual hides their drinking and drug problem. Due to the stigma and negative connotations associated with alcohol and drug abuse, many people may deny they have a problem at all. In these circumstances, it can be difficult for close friends and family members to prepare an intervention and get their loved one the help they deserve.

Here are several questions to identify whether you or a loved one may be suffering from alcohol and drug abuse:

Have you felt irritated by the concern or criticism of your alcohol or drug use by those around you, like family members, friends, a colleague or teacher?

Have you ever thought of reducing your drinking or drug intake?

Have you felt guilt over your drug and alcohol consumption?

Do you find yourself craving a drink and other substances periodically throughout the day?

In the last year, have you failed to meet an obligation because of drinking and drugs?

Have you or someone else been injured due to your alcohol and drug abuse?

If you answered “yes” to one or several of these questions, you should seek help from a medical professional. These answers should not be considered an official diagnosis; however, they can warn you of potential substance abuse factors and motivate you to get help.