April is Alcohol Awareness Month
What is Alcohol Awareness Month?
April is National Alcohol Awareness Month. During April the CDC takes time to focus on the health risks that come from binge drinking, drinking alcohol, or having alcohol use disorder. Alcohol use disorder is one of the most common substance use disorders. Drinking on occasion is not necessarily a sign of a problem but any type of binge drinking can lead to one.
Warning Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder
- Increased use to cope with stress
- High frequency of binge drinking
- Developing a tolerance through overuse
Other Health Effects
Mental health disorders like anxiety or depression may increase the use of alcohol but it’s also possible for alcohol to trigger these. It may seem to those drinking that it helps anxiety, but alcohol can actually increase it. Other health problems associated with it are bone and liver disease, vitamin deficiencies, and various cancers. Many people seem surprised that alcohol can cause more types of cancer than just that of the liver. The biggest health risks are the different types of cancer: Mouth, throat, liver, and breast (in women). The risk of cancer increases with the number of drinks a person consumes. The reason is because alcohol can cause the cells inside of your body to grow out of control into a cancer tumor. With each drink or each time a person binge drinks, it continues to increase these risks.
Help Is Available
There are many different options to begin the journey to recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous is very popular. It can be easier for people to feel emotionally supported with others who understand what they’ve been through. It also provides a network for those that might not have anyone to confide in. There is medication-assisted treatment and recovery with prescriptions like Vivitrol® and Suboxone®. When coupled with therapy they can be highly effective.
Lifeline Connections offers an integrated, holistic approach that includes therapy and case management. Our doctors specialize in the treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders for both youth and adults. Contact us and reclaim your life.
Above all, our compassionate team will work to design a custom plan for your treatment and wellness
Updated: 4/5/2023
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