Alcohol Awareness Month (& National Alcohol Screening Day 4/7)

Alcohol is a substance that can quickly take over a person’s life. Binge drinking and heavy alcohol use can take a toll on a person’s relationships, mental health, physical wellbeing, and career. And yet, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reported that 25.8 percent of people over 18 reported that they engaged in binge drinking in the past month, while 6.3% engaged in heavy alcohol use.

Alcohol Use Disorder is one of the United State’s top public health issues. The National Council for Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) has deemed April as National Alcohol Awareness Month to raise awareness and educate the public on the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.

What is an Alcohol Use Disorder?

According to the DSM 5, alcohol use disorder is a medical condition characterized as a struggle to control alcohol use. This lack of control can mean that the person with alcoholism continues to use despite negative consequences related to their relationships, career, or health.

The health condition has had many names over the years, like alcoholism, alcohol abuse, alcohol dependency, and alcohol addiction. Alcohol use disorder can be considered a brain disorder that has the ability to impact a person’s cognitive functioning, mood, and overall mental health. Because of this, alcohol use disorder can be challenging to overcome, with many facing a relapse after recovery.

This does not mean that there is no hope for those struggling with alcohol addiction. Alcoholism cases range from mild to moderate to severe. However, it is considered a treatable condition no matter the severity. There have been many effective treatments for alcohol use disorder, which means that if you are struggling with one, there is hope for a better life and brighter future.

How You Can Participate

Educate Yourself on Alcohol Use Disorders and the Risks Associated with Alcohol

There are a ton of free resources available to you that can help you learn more about alcohol use disorders and the risk associated with alcohol use. You can find them online, in your local library, on TV, and around your community.

Participate in the Alcohol-Free Weekend

The NCADD has encouraged the nation to spend a 72-hour weekend without any alcohol. As you and your loved ones participate in this alcohol-free weekend, monitor each other for signs and symptoms of discomfort that may indicate a disordered relationship with the substance.

Use This Month to Gather Without the Alcohol

Alcohol has become such a norm at parties that we often forget how much fun we can have together without it. Use the month of April to host alcohol-free gatherings with your friends and family and embrace the fun times you have together while sober.

We Are Here to Help

Recovery can be a difficult journey. However, every bit of effort put into that journey will be well worth it. If you or a loved one are struggling with an alcohol use disorder, Michigan Psychological Care is here for you. Contact us today to begin your journey to recovery.

References

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics
https://ncaddms.org/
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problems-finding-and-getting-help

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