Alcohol Awareness Month

by | Last updated Jan 24, 2023 | Published on Apr 26, 2019 | Latest News | 0 comments

Alcohol Awareness Month

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence created this initiative to educate the public on the dangers of alcohol dependence and related substance use issues. Originally created to target college students, this initiative quickly grew to be a national movement.

Understanding Alcoholism and Alcohol Awareness

To fully understand what being aware of alcoholism and alcohol dependence means, it’s important to note the difference between alcoholism and alcohol dependence:

  • Alcohol dependence or alcohol abuse is defined by mild to severe sub-classifications of alcohol use, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
  • Alcoholism develops as a result of stressful changes in one’s life or a genetic predisposition to alcohol abuse.

This month focuses on highlighting stigmas that are associated with alcoholism.

Alcohol abuse and denial often go hand in hand as family members, friends, and the person experiencing alcohol addiction fail to acknowledge or understand the weight of the situation. During the month of April, community centers, treatment facilities, and public health bodies are able to improve their efforts and educate others on unhealthy alcohol consumption.

Why Discussing Alcohol Dependence and Alcoholism Matters

Though the month of April focuses on educating the general public about alcoholism, many of these efforts target younger students as a way to shape their habits of alcohol consumption. As many students are exposed to a culture that encourages unhealthy and abusive alcohol consumption, learning about alcohol dependence and alcoholism is crucial for students.

  • Binge Drinking In universities and colleges, 60% of students drink alcohol regularly. While alcoholism is legal for older college students, many students (even those under the legal drinking age) tend to participate in drinking during pregaming athletic events, binge drinking at parties, and taking part in hazing rituals with copious amounts of alcohol.Around 37.9% take part in binge drinking, often because of how alcohol consumption is encouraged in such settings.
  • Alcohol-Related Accidents Many of this month’s campaigns work to educate students about the dangers of alcohol-related accidents. Every year, an average of 6,500 individuals 21 and under are involved in fatal alcohol-related accidents.

Signs of Alcoholism

What Alcohol Awareness Looks Like

Through various promotions in schools and the media, this month’s initiatives educate the public on various signs of alcoholism, causes of this disorder, and how to treat alcoholism and other substance use disorders.

Discussing the dangers of alcoholism needn’t be limited to the month of April. Learn more about alcoholism by recognizing some of the more common symptoms and signs of alcoholism:

  • An inability to limit one’s alcohol consumption
  • Spending substantial amounts of time drinking, buying alcohol, or recovering from using alcohol
  • Experiencing strong urges to drink alcohol
  • Failing to fulfill important responsibilities due to alcohol use
  • Continuing on with alcohol consumption despite apparent interpersonal, social, and physical problems
  • Reducing work and social activities in order to drink more
  • Using alcohol in unsafe situations (i.e. driving or swimming)
  • Developing a tolerance that requires one to drink more alcohol to feel the same effects
  • Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal such as nausea, shaking, sweating and similar symptoms

Learning about alcohol dependence shows the link between alcohol consumption, alcohol use disorder and alcoholism. As we work to erase the stigma associated with alcoholism, it’s equally as important to educate others on the dangers of consuming alcohol and how they can recognize this disorder in themselves and others. This month, be sure to meditate on alcohol use and its effect on your life and that of your friends and family.

Written by: AimeeAmethyst

Written by: AimeeAmethyst

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Articles

Is Delta-8 THC the Legal New CBD Alternative You’ve Been Waiting For?

Delta-8 THC, or ‘delta-8’ for short, is the latest craze amongst cannabis users and particularly so among the cannabis curious. It produces all the same effects of traditional THC (delta-9 THC) such as euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief, meaning yes, it can get you...

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

The weather outside may be frightful but it isn’t the only reason that driving during the holidays can be so dangerous. Since 1981, every president has declared December to be National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. And it’s no accident that the “happiest time of...

COVID-19 Preventative Measures

Amethyst Recovery Center continues to provide essential substance use disorder services for individuals impacted by addiction during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We are currently accepting patients for our Detoxification and Residential Treatment...

Follow Us

24/7 Help for Drug & Alcohol Use

If you or someone you love is suffering from the addiction, there is no reason to delay. Start working on a solution today. Our phones are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our staff are trained to deal with drug and alcohol problems of any kind, and will recommend the right treatment for you based on your situation. Call now!

(888) 447-7724

Related Articles

Is Delta-8 THC the Legal New CBD Alternative You’ve Been Waiting For?
Is Delta-8 THC the Legal New CBD Alternative You’ve Been Waiting For?

Delta-8 THC, or ‘delta-8’ for short, is the latest craze amongst cannabis users and particularly so among the cannabis curious. It produces all the same effects of traditional THC (delta-9 THC) such as euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief, meaning yes, it can get you...

read more
December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

The weather outside may be frightful but it isn’t the only reason that driving during the holidays can be so dangerous. Since 1981, every president has declared December to be National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. And it’s no accident that the “happiest time of...

read more
COVID-19 Preventative Measures
COVID-19 Preventative Measures

Amethyst Recovery Center continues to provide essential substance use disorder services for individuals impacted by addiction during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We are currently accepting patients for our Detoxification and Residential Treatment...

read more

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This
Skip to content