It’s an undeniable fact that alcohol is entrenched in the culture of the United States. That being said, it’s an addictive substance and causes tremendous harm to hundreds of thousands of lives each year. From damaged relationships and reduced job performance to liver disease and death due to driving under the influence, alcohol often demands a steep price from those who consume it. Thankfully, there are countless resources available to those struggling with alcohol dependence or addiction as well as their loved ones. April is National Alcohol Awareness Month, and what better time to get informed about the many avenues for support at your fingertips?
If you or someone you know could use help with problem drinking, Olympic Behavioral Health can help. Our comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment program gives people the tools they need to overcome their dependence on alcohol. Call Olympic Behavioral Health at [Direct] or reach out online to learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment program.
3 Facts About Alcohol Awareness Month
1. Young People Are Heavily Impacted
One of the most significant alcohol awareness facts is that alcohol is consistently the leading cause of death among young people. Undergraduate college students are particularly susceptible, and the results of youth drinking range from injury and decreased academic outcomes to sexual assault and death due to alcohol poisoning. Alcohol Awareness Month is a great time to have a conversation with the young person in your life and make sure they know that help is available. Many young people don’t know that binge drinking is defined as five standard drinks for men or four for women within a two-hour period. By this definition, binge drinking is extremely common, and many are engaging in this extremely risky behavior without knowing it.
2. An Alcohol-Free Weekend Is a Great Self-Test
Are you wondering if you may be struggling with alcohol dependence but don’t know how to be sure? Stand in solidarity with thousands of Americans by choosing one weekend in April for a seventy-two-hour fast from alcohol. Pay close attention to how you feel during this three-day period. If you experience early signs of withdrawal like sweating, insomnia, headaches, or nausea, consider seeking help from a support group or alcohol treatment program.
3. Creating Alternatives Makes All the Difference
Throwing parties and arranging other social activities that don’t involve any alcohol or other drugs is an essential step in normalizing sobriety. Sadly, many people feel they can’t relax without a drink in hand, and it takes concrete counterexamples to change this perception. Get out the board games, put on the game, serve up some mocktails, soda, and non-alcoholic beer, and let the good times roll for all ages.
Signs You May Be Addicted to Drinking Alcohol
While everybody reacts to alcohol a bit differently, there are several telltale signs that social drinking may have progressed to a dangerous level.
These signs include:
- You feel the need to drink every day.
- You regularly binge drink.
- Once you start drinking, it’s hard for you to stop or stick to any limits you may have set in advance for yourself.
- You want to reach for your first drink right after you wake up.
- You’ve gotten into legal or employment-related trouble due to drinking. For example, you’ve gotten DUIs or committed other crimes while under the influence.
- You’ve suffered a job loss due to alcohol-related concerns.
Choose Olympic Behavioral Health for Comprehensive Alcohol Addiction Treatment
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, you’re never alone. This deadly disease stalks the U.S. and many other parts of the world. Nevertheless, Alcohol Awareness Month is an especially great time to take responsibility for your future and the well-being of those you love. Reach out to us at Olympic Behavioral Health at [Direct] or online to raise awareness of drinking alcohol.
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