The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) is urging Americans to participate in an “alcohol-free weekend" Friday through Sunday as part of Alcohol Awareness Month. The aim is to raise public awareness about the use of alcohol and how it may be affecting individuals, families, businesses and our communities.
The organization, which originated Alcohol Awareness Month in 1987, suggests that if a person has discomfort or difficulty abstaining for 72 hours, it is possible that he or she might have a dependency on alcohol and by recognizing this, the individual may need to seek treatment.
Hundreds of state, federal and not-for-profit agencies have endorsed April as Alcohol Awareness Month, as have several private employers. Among them is Beam, Inc. of Deerfield, Ill., one of the largest premium spirits companies in the world. “Alcohol Awareness Month is an important time for us to assess our progress and further promote responsible consumption at all times,” said Matt Stanton, Beam’s Vice President of Public Affairs & Corporate Social Responsibility.
According to the NCADD, “Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States. One in every 12 adults suffer from alcohol use disorders – alcohol abuse and the disease of alcoholism. Several million more engage in risky, binge-drinking patterns that could lead to alcohol problems. More than half of all adults have a family history of alcoholism or problem drinking.”
Warning signs of alcohol abuse include:
Drinking to calm nerves, forget worries or boost a sad 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.
Comments