Alcohol Awareness Month was established in 1987 to help reduce the stigma associated with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) by encouraging communities to reach out to the American public each April with information about alcohol, alcohol addiction, and recovery. Alcohol addiction is a chronic, progressive disease, and can be fatal if untreated. Treatment and recovery from AUD is available and possible!
Alcohol awareness month takes on added significance this year because of the international COVID-19 pandemic. As stress levels are heightened, it is normal to seek comfort in any way that we can. For those with alcohol and other addictions, turning to their substance of choice — although easy — will only make matters worse.
Awareness of Our Relationship With Alcohol
Perhaps in addition to alcohol awareness month, April 2020 could be viewed as a time to recognize and place our attention on our own personal relationship with alcohol. Warning signs of alcohol abuse include:- Drinking to calm nerves or boost a sad or anxious mood
- Guilt about drinking
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop drinking
- Lying about or hiding drinking habits
- Causing harm to oneself or someone else as a result of drinking
- Needing to drink increasingly greater amounts in order to achieve desired effects
- Feeling irritable, resentful or unreasonable when not drinking
- Medical, social, family, or financial problems caused by drinking
If you or a loved one are struggling with your drinking we can help. Our offices remain open during this difficult time to detox you safely and help you begin your recovery. Please call us at 877-773-3869 to see if the Coleman Method is right for you. There is no better time than now. Take April into your own hands. Deborah Reich, M.D.