Join the Alcohol Awareness Month Efforts in April

We’ve all seen the terrible affects that can be caused by drinking too much alcohol. Not just the campaigns to raise awareness for drinking and driving – which is deadly – but even those highlighting the other unwanted side effects of too much alcohol consumption. In fact, drinking to excess or drinking alcohol too frequently can increase an individual’s risk of accidents, violence, drowning, injuries or health diseases linked to alcohol consumption, such as: liver disease, cancer, diabetes and others.

The month of April has been set aside as a national observance month for Alcohol Awareness. The annual campaign is sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, whose mission is to create awareness of this prevalent disease and how it claims millions of lives – both directly and indirectly. A person can suffer at home, work, in public and it can affect not only their families and children, but many facets of their lives. Some people lose their jobs and become homeless because of this strong addiction. Others lose friendships and material belongings.

"The disease of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence often results in harsh pain: emotional – physical – spiritual – financial – legal. - NCADD"

In April, the program wants to encourage people to get educated and to get help for their loved ones who may be on the verge of destroying their lives because of this common problem. The first thing to do is learn more about the warning signs and dangers of drinking too much.

In Louisiana alone, there were 226 drunk-driving fatalities in 2010 directly linked to driving while intoxicated. In 2011, as many as 33% of all traffic deaths in the state were drunk driving related.

Even scarier statistics came from the data that over 62% of young adults were frequent users of alcohol, with 35% of that same age group admitting to binge drinking. Binge drinking is often referred to as the act of drinking to “get drunk”, rather than just having a few drinks socially. Either way, the legal limit to drive in LA is comparable to many other states, at .08%. That is the equivalent of only one beer or less per hour.

To spread the word and prevent alcohol abuse, CARE INC is joining other organizations across the US to honor Alcohol Awareness Month. If you have a drinking problem, maybe it is time to get help. You can also improve your longevity and health by quitting or cutting back on drinking.

Here are some suggestions:

        Cut back or limit your drinking to 1 drink a day (or less) for women; and 2 drinks per day for men.         Keep track of how much alcohol you consume.         Never drink out of anger or as a solution for problems.         Make a list of “pros and cons” of drinking. You will find an awakening to the realization there are very little pros and far more cons.         Avoid going to social places where drinking is the theme, such as bars, parties, clubs, etc.         List people in your life who you would harm by drinking too much.         If you have a friend or family member who you are concerned about their drinking habits, offer to help.

Just like any other addiction, alcohol does not often start out seriously but can become a gradually addictive behavior and progressive disease. Some people live with it their whole lives, even if they are recovering or have been sober for a long time. Join us this April to raise awareness and help to save lives!