April is Alcohol Awareness Month

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April is Alcohol Awareness Month

March 30, 2018Alcohol Abuse, Family Violence Prevention, Healthy Relationships, Stress Management, UncategorizedBy ALLIANCEfor Children

Established in 1987 to help reduce the stigma often associated with alcoholism, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) encourages communities to reach out to the public with information about alcohol, alcoholism and recovery.

Join us for Alcohol-Free Weekend, which takes place during the first weekend of April (March 30-April 1, 2018). An integral part of NCADD’s Alcohol Awareness Month in April, individuals are pledging to engage in three alcohol-free days to raise public awareness about the use of alcohol and how it may be affecting individuals, families, businesses and our communities. Learn more about Alcohol Awareness Month.

What is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism does not relate to how much alcohol one drinks, how long one has been drinking, or how much alcohol one consumes – It is defined by a person’s uncontrollable need for alcohol. An alcoholic’s brain is dependent on alcohol to function, without it withdrawal symptoms occur. Learn more about alcoholism.

Facts

Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease
Alcoholism is genetically predisposed
The disease is fatal if untreated
Treatment can help but the condition cannot be cured
88,000 deaths are annually attributed to excessive alcohol use
Alcoholism is the 3rd leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the nation

Myths

You can drink and still be in control
Drinking isn’t all that dangerous
You can sober up quickly
Beer doesn’t have as much alcohol as liquor
You can drive well enough after a few drinks

Inform Teens and the Community About Alcohol Use

If you are the parent of a teenager, it is important to make sure they are informed of the myths and the negative effects of alcohol use. The myths about alcohol use are perpetuated by uninformed individuals and can lead to dangerous excessive drinking and drunk driving situations which can be fatal.

Make sure they know the facts by taking the time to talk to teenagers and adolescents about alcohol, to inform them about the myths and the dangers of alcohol use with online resources like this one from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Communities can also organize events to inform groups of teens and adults alike about alcohol the numerous health problems, chronic diseases, neurological impairments and social problems caused by excessive alcohol use. Excessive alcohol use, in the form of heavy drinking or binge drinking, can lead to dementia, stroke, cardiovascular problems, psychiatric problems, including depression, anxiety, and suicide. The social problems that excessive alcohol use can lead to are unemployment, lost productivity, family problems, violence including child maltreatment, fights and homicide.

Alcoholism cannot be cured, but people who seek help can recover from the pattern of their addiction – It is estimated that as many as 20 million individuals and family members are living lives in recovery. It is important to get the help you need or encourage your loved ones to seek treatment.