Alcohol Awareness Month
April is dedicated to Alcohol Awareness Month by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD). Alcohol Awareness Month is a national movement to raise awareness of the causes and effects associated with alcohol use disorder and is also a way to educate and inform the public on the importance of eliminating the stigma associated with addiction.
According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH):
- In 2018, 14.4 million adults ages 18 and older had alcohol use disorder.
- In 2018, 26.45 percent of individuals 18 years of age or older reported that they engaged in binge drinking in the past month.
- In 2018, 6.6 percent of individuals 18 years of age or older reported that they engaged in heavy alcohol use in the past month.
- According to the 2018 survey, an estimated 401,000 adolescents 12–17 years of age had alcohol use disorder.
What is alcohol use disorder?
Consumption that results in destructive behaviors is always abuse. This goes for alcohol, cocaine, opioids, or any other type of substance. When we persistently drink alcohol to prevent withdrawal symptoms and to feel “normal” again, this is the telltale sign that we have an alcohol use disorder. When our bodies become addicted to alcohol, they cannot function normally without alcohol present in the bloodstream, and as a result, the body will go into physical withdrawals. When we have an alcohol use disorder, we consume alcohol to prevent or relieve these withdrawal symptoms, which include trembling hands, irritability, nausea, and anxiety.
Alcohol use disorder and mental health disorders
Mental health disorders often co-occur with alcohol use disorder. It can even be safe to say that mental health disorders go hand-in-hand with alcohol. Individuals with depression, bipolar disorder, and social anxiety are much more likely to develop alcohol use disorder.
Alcohol is often used as an unhealthy coping mechanism for individuals who have a mental health disorder or the other way around; alcohol can be the culprit for developing depression or anxiety.
Seeking help
Just because alcohol consumption is ingrained in our culture and has been a massive part of American history for centuries does not mean that we should turn a blind eye to alcohol use disorder or stigmatize those who are in treatment. Alcohol use disorder is a disease that can severely harm the body, mind, and spirit.
As a result, it is essential to seek treatment so you can recognize your addiction, begin to heal, succeed in your recovery journey, and help others who are struggling with alcohol use disorder.
We are here for you!
We are committed to the health and safety of you and/or your loved ones, and we are FULLY OPEN & OPERATIONAL. At AKUA Mind Body, the safety of our Clients is our top priority. We are aware of the increased fear and anxiety among most people regarding the current pandemic. Hence, we are doing everything that we can to keep health and safety.
If you or someone you love is struggling with a mental health illness or substance use and addiction disorder, we can help now more than ever! AKUA Mind & Body provides an integrative treatment approach with multiple levels of care from detox and residential to virtual outpatient programs. With several facilities throughout the Sacramento Region, Los Angeles & Orange County Region, and San Diego Region, we aim to provide our clients with a solid foundation for healing and transformation. Gender-specific and Co-ed facilities are available.
Call our 24/7 admissions helpline to seek help today!
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