There is often a stigma associated with all types of addiction that prevents people from seeking the help they want and need. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) founded Alcohol Awareness Month in 1987, which takes place every April, to increase awareness and let people know it is okay to get help.
(Image by David Goehring, via flickr)
It’s easy to forget that Alcohol is in fact a drug. It’s become synonymous with celebrations and achievements. It’s become a glitzy affair almost, but the truth is it kills nearly 88,000 people a year and is dangerous to your health if misused.
The goal of Alcohol Awareness Month is to raise awareness about some of the very real dangers and side-effects of alcohol. It’s purpose is to shed light on alcohol abuse or misuse and encourage individuals, families and communities to get involved to help prevent or treat it.
Alcoholism is a common disorder. According to NCADD,more than 18 million (8.5%) Americans suffer from alcohol-use disorders and nearly 25% of children are exposed to alcohol misuse in their family. If you or someone you know has a dependency on alcohol, you are not alone. It is a common addiction and one that rehab centers like Casa Recovery are experts in treating.
One of the main targets of Alcohol Awareness Month is prevention in teens. Did you know that teens who use alcohol before the age of 15 are four times more likely to become dependent on alcohol as an adult than those that that wait till they are of age?
Besides just the possibility of dependency, alcohol use by teens can lead to car accidents, violence, unsafe sex, and many more dangerous activities. Teaching our youth more about alcohol use and its effects is a great way to help reduce alcoholism in the future.
Throughout this month and in the remaining weeks to come there will be activities offered at all levels, local and national, to educate people about the treatment and prevention of alcoholism. If you would like to know more about Casa Recovery’s specific treatment options for alcoholism, read more here or contact us today!