Alcohol

Alcohol Abuse… Know the Signs.

With the immense pressures and challenges we all have to face in today’s uncertain economy, this month’s MedFN newsletter is dedicated to supporting the powerful efforts to build awareness of the ever-present threat and consequences Alcohol Abuse is inflicting across the country.

While Alcoholism has been a known disease for decades that has torn apart families, ruined friendships and destroyed successful careers, there still remains a number of major misunderstandings about Alcoholism of which we encourage everyone to be vigilant.

What might seem benign and “normal” can rapidly and tragically spiral out of control if ignored or dismissed in its early stages.

The following information is taken from the official web site of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and SAMHSA’s Clearinghouse for ALCOHOL & DRUG INFORMATION

http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/seasonal/aprilalcohol/

APRIL IS NATIONAL ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH!

When many people think of alcohol abusers, they picture teenagers sneaking drinks before high school football games or at unsupervised parties. However, alcohol abuse is prevalent within many demographic groups in the United States. People who abuse alcohol can be:

College students who binge drink at local bars.
Pregnant women who drink and put their babies at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome.
Professionals who drink after a long day of work.
Senior citizens who drink out of loneliness.

The STATISTICS: In 2007, more than one fifth (23.3 percent) of persons aged 12 or older participated in binge drinking at least once in the 30 days prior to taking SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). This translates to about 57.8 million people. The rate in 2007 is similar to the rate in 2006 (23.0 percent).

Warning Signs of Alcohol Abuse
If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, you may have a problem with alcohol:

Do you drink alone when you feel angry or sad?
Does your drinking ever make you late for work?
Does your drinking worry your family?
Do you ever drink after telling yourself you won't?
Do you ever forget what you did while drinking?
Do you get headaches or have a hangover after drinking?

If you suspect that you might have a drinking problem, or you know someone who abuses alcohol, please contact SAMHSA’s Health Information Network at: Call 1-877-SAMHSA-7

The following free publications also will provide you with additional information about the hazards of drinking alcohol:

See more Resources Below:

ALCOHOL AWARENESS and GETTING HELP… Other Great Resources

Surgeon General’s Call To Action To Prevent And Reduce Underage Drinking A Guide to Action for Families

Surgeon General’s Call To Action To Prevent And Reduce Underage Drinking A Guide to Action for Communities

Surgeon General’s Call To Action To Prevent And Reduce Underage Drinking A Guide to Action for Educators

Underage Drinking: Myths vs Facts

Get Connected! Toolkit (Linking Older Adults With Medication, Alcohol, and Mental Health Resources)

Alcohol Treatment and Adolescents

The Role of Parents in Preventing and Addressing Underage Drinking

Tips for Teens: The Truth About Alcohol

Recovery Month Webcast: Alcohol Awareness Month: Recovery- It's a Family Affair and Everyone's Invited

Straight Facts About Alcohol

How to Get Help

What Families Can Do To Prevent and Intervene With Alcohol and Drug Problems

How Can I Tell if a Friend or Loved One Has a Problem with Alcohol, or Other Illicit Drugs?