As the calendar turns to April it means spring is upon us. While spring is a time for renewal and growth, it is also a time to raise awareness for something that is a big part of our society as a whole and that’s alcohol consumption. With April being alcohol awareness month, it’s important that we take this time to shine a light on the impact of alcohol abuse and addiction, promoting education and understanding.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the history of Alcohol Awareness Month, the importance of mindful drinking, the prevalence of alcohol-related issues in the United States, and ways that you and your loved ones can actively participate in this month-long observance.

What is Alcohol Awareness?

To put it simply, alcohol awareness is the process of being conscious and aware of our drinking habits. Beyond just being aware of our drinking, it also involves recognizing signs of alcohol abuse and addiction, promoting responsible drinking habits, and supporting those struggling with alcohol-related issues.

Even for those who may not have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, being conscious of their drinking and drinking habits can still be important. All levels of alcohol consumption come with the risk of adverse effects including negatively affecting your overall health including your sleep, your personal life, relationships, and even work.

History of Alcohol Awareness Month

The concept of alcohol awareness month dates back to 1987 when it was created by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD). Originally a week-long observance, it expanded to a month-long campaign in 1988. Since then, it has served as an instrumental platform for raising public consciousness, challenging societal norms, and advocating for change.

The inception of Alcohol Awareness Month was fueled by a collective recognition of the urgent need to address the pervasive issue of alcohol abuse and addiction. With alcohol-related incidents on the rise and communities grappling with the far-reaching consequences, the NCADD took a bold step forward, laying the groundwork for a movement that would inspire countless individuals to confront the challenges posed by excessive drinking.

Today, alcohol awareness month is multifaceted and includes both traditional and social media campaigns, community outreach programs, and advocacy efforts.

Why Should You Be Mindful of Your Alcohol Intake?

As we touched on earlier, alcohol awareness is not just for those struggling with their alcohol use. Everyone can benefit from being more conscious of their alcohol intake.

Drinking too much can have life-altering consequences and can lead to significant issues such as relationship problems, work-related issues, health issues, and even legal issues. In some cases, overconsumption of alcohol can even lead to major bodily harm or death.

While practicing mindfulness in alcohol consumption may not prevent all these things from happening, it can go a long way to safeguarding one’s health and well-being as well as promoting responsible behaviors within communities.

The Importance of Alcohol Awareness Month

A major part of alcohol awareness month is to make everyone more conscious about both their drinking habits and their overall relationship with alcohol. For many struggling with substance abuse, including alcoholism, denial is a common trait.

Many people either ignore the signs or try to convince themselves that they don’t have a problem. Even those who don’t struggle with alcoholism may have had one too many on a given night and just chalked it up as the night “getting away from them”.

Alcohol Awareness Month helps remind people of not just the potential dangers of alcohol but also encourages them to pay more attention to their overall relationship with alcohol, especially those who may be struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction.

By shining a spotlight on the pervasive issue of alcohol abuse and addiction, the ultimate goal is to spur action, drive change, and even save lives.

The Prevalence of Alcohol Abuse And Alcoholism in the U.S.

Alcoholism and alcohol abuse continue to be a major issue throughout the United States. In fact, according to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 29.5 million people ages 12 and older had an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the past year. Of that, 29.5 million, the overwhelming majority were over the age of 18 (28.8 million). While alcohol use disorder affects men at a higher rate than women for those over the age of 18, more girls between the ages of 12 and 17 suffer from an AUD than boys.

With such a large number of people suffering from alcoholism and alcohol abuse, unfortunately, that means a significant number of alcohol-related deaths. In fact, according to the Nationa Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, more than 178,000 people died from alcohol-related causes from 2020 to 2021.

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism also have a significant impact on the economy. Drinking-related costs reached an estimated $249 billion in the U.S. in 2010, with binge drinking accounting for three-quarters of this economic burden.

What to Expect During Alcohol Awareness Month

During the month of April, Alcohol Awareness Month takes center stage, offering a multitude of activities, resources, and events aimed at educating, engaging, and empowering individuals and communities such as:

• Educational seminars focusing on the physiological, psychological, and societal implications of excessive alcohol consumption.
• Community outreach programs designed to provide opportunities for individuals to learn, ask questions, and connect with local resources and support networks.
• Screenings and Assessments that can help individuals gain a better understanding of their drinking habits, assess their risk levels, and identify potential signs of alcohol misuse or dependency.
• Awareness campaigns on both social and traditional media outlets reaching individuals across all demographics and platforms.
• School and College Programs such as classroom presentations, interactive workshops, and peer-led discussions focused on alcohol awareness, decision-making skills, and risk reduction strategies.
• Professional Training and Development for those in healthcare, education, law enforcement, and other fields to enhance their knowledge and skills in addressing alcohol-related issues.

Observing Alcohol Awareness Month

There are a number of different ways for both you and those in your community to observe alcohol awareness month. Some of the things you can do to properly observe alcohol awareness month include:

• Educate Yourself – Familiarize yourself with the risks and consequences associated with alcohol consumption. Arm yourself with knowledge, enabling you to make informed decisions and navigate social situations with confidence.
• Set Boundaries – Establish clear limits on alcohol intake and adhere to them steadfastly. Whether it’s setting a drink limit or designating alcohol-free days, setting boundaries empowers you to maintain control over your consumption.
• Opt for Alternatives – Non-alcoholic drinks and “mocktails” are more popular than ever. The next time you are out at a bar or at a social gathering where alcohol is present, consider a non-alcoholic beverage that allows you to feel inclusive while also being responsible.
• Support Others – Extend compassion and support to those grappling with alcohol-related challenges, and encourage them to seek assistance. Whether it’s offering a listening ear or connecting them with resources, your support can make a world of difference in someone’s journey toward sobriety.
• Lead by Example – Embrace mindful drinking practices and serve as a positive role model for peers and loved ones. By embodying responsible behaviors and advocating for moderation, you can inspire others to follow suit and foster a culture of wellness within your community.

The Ambrosia Difference

At Ambrosia Behavioral Health, we know how delicate the balance can be when it comes to relationships with alcohol becoming unhealthy. We offer a number of treatment options for those struggling with alcohol abuse and addiction including both inpatient and outpatient treatment.

Because we also know that alcohol abuse and addiction affect those of all ages, genders, and occupations we offer specialized treatment programs for men, women, adolescents, first responders, veterans, those in the healthcare profession, and even those in the LGBTQ+ community. The addiction therapy services we offer include:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Individual Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Neurofeedback Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Peer Support
• Holistic Therapy
• Ketamine Therapy for Addiction
• Ketamine Therapy for Mental Health

Before starting treatment, our staff will sit down with you and create a treatment plan custom-designed to fit both you and your needs. Addiction is not a one-size-fits-all condition and neither should the treatment provided. What works for one person may not work for another which is why we make sure everyone gets the treatment that works best for them.

Getting Help For Alcohol Addiction

As we turn the calendar to April it is important to shine a light on alcohol use and abuse for Alcohol Awareness Month. By raising awareness, fostering empathy, and championing sobriety, we all can forge a brighter future imbued with health, vitality, and hope.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol or any other substance of abuse, we want to help. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options and to find out how we can get you or your loved one started on the road to recovery.