The stigma surrounding alcoholism and addiction often impedes people from seeking help. A mere 7.9% of adults with alcohol use disorder receive treatment in a given year. That’s why initiatives like Alcohol Awareness Month work to break down these barriers and foster a supportive environment for those in need. Alcohol Awareness Month aims to shed light on the pervasive issue of alcohol use, abuse, and addiction, affecting millions of individuals and their families. The cause tackles many challenges, including health problems, mental health struggles, strained relationships, and financial hardships from alcohol misuse.
This is a great time to update your knowledge about alcohol and its adverse effects, to educate others and dispel some myths, and to begin taking ongoing steps to support sober friends, family, and even strangers. This year, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) will be hosting the 10th annual National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) from March 30 through April 5, 2020. Full of educational events across the week, NDAFW will focus on educating teens and families on the myths of substance abuse and addiction with the help on industry experts.
Binge drinking is when blood alcohol concentration comes to 0,08 g/dL, which happens when a man drinks five glasses and a woman drinks four in about two hours. As I discussed in my previous blog post, NIAAA also has an important new website that can help you navigate the often complicated process of choosing treatment for alcohol problems. The substance’s disinhibiting effects can make individuals more prone to engage in confrontations or become involved in violent incidents.
The following links can also help you explore Drunk People Feel Soberer around Heavy Drinkers treatment options for yourself or your loved ones. These numbers suggest that problematic alcohol use continues to plague our society, and awareness about addiction and its harmful effects on our lives, is necessary in order to protect our loved ones and selves. Alcohol misuse can also lead to many mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or even self-harm. Furthermore, it can complicate the treatment of other diagnoses, such as bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Alcoholism in a patient with one or more of these mental disorders is a complication known as Dual Diagnosis. Prolonged alcohol misuse can lead to persistent memory problems, beyond the periods of intoxication.
National Health Observances Archive
The anxiety and inhibition-lowering properties are often seen as a positive side effect of alcohol, but alcohol comes with a long list of negative side effects. The NCADD encourages people to participate by wearing red ribbons, talking with kids and teens about alcohol, hosting dry parties, having conversations with friends and family about drinking, and having an alcohol-free weekend. Recognizing that you want to change your relationship with alcohol is a big step, and it can be overwhelming to think about the next steps, such as treatment.
Alcoholism claims thousands of lives annually
- The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator can help you recognize and find high quality treatment for alcohol use disorder.
- It is also a good time to talk to teens about drinking and to equip them with the knowledge to handle situations involving alcohol.
- Its significance extends beyond the potential to save lives; it nurtures a healthier, more responsible drinking culture in our society.
- I also encourage you to take a close look at Rethinking Drinking and the Alcohol Treatment Navigator to learn more about AUD and how to find quality care to address it.
- Full of educational events across the week, NDAFW will focus on educating teens and families on the myths of substance abuse and addiction with the help on industry experts.
One of the immediate risks of alcohol misuse is an increased likelihood of accidents and injuries. Impaired coordination and judgment, common under the influence of alcohol, can lead to falls, car accidents, and other unintentional injuries. Alcohol remains a profoundly influential substance, especially among younger demographics.
Alcohol Awareness Month: How to Support The Cause
The Alcohol Treatment Navigator walks individuals through the process of finding treatment options and recovery resources. Alcohol consumption during adolescence can interfere with brain development, leading to potential cognitive deficits and increasing the risk of developing alcohol use disorders later in life. Furthermore, teens who consume alcohol are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, including drug use and unsafe sexual practices, which can have lasting consequences on their health and well-being. Recognizing these risks, parents play a critical role in shaping their children’s understanding and attitudes toward alcohol. By setting clear boundaries and communicating the dangers of underage drinking, parents can help mitigate these risks and guide their children toward healthier choices. Current data indicate that approximately 95,000 Americans die each year due to alcohol-related causes, highlighting a significant public health concern.
The Role of Parents in Preventing Underage Drinking
Further, she campaigned to emphasize the significance of early intervention and effective treatment. If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself, it’s time to rethink the role that alcohol plays in your life. NIAAA has some interactive resources to help you examine your drinking patterns further and, if needed, recognize and search for quality care. Two years ago, we found about 24.6 percent of 14- to 15-year-olds reported having at least 1 drink.