Raising Awareness and Ending the Stigma: Alcohol Awareness Month

April is Alcohol Awareness Month to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol. There is a stigma surrounding alcohol and substance abuse that Awareness months work to try to reduce. One of the most significant parts to start recovery is recognizing that you have a problem, which can be difficult with the stigmas surrounding it. Alcohol abuse is very dangerous and is the 3rd leading preventable cause of death in the United States. We want to make you aware of the signs, facts, and dangers of alcohol abuse if you or a loved one are struggling.

Alcohol Abuse Facts

As we stated above, alcohol abuse is the third leading preventable cause of death. Some people do not fully realize the dangers of alcohol. Below are some facts about alcoholism and the dangerous effects alcohol can have, gathered from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

• 14.4 million adults had Alcohol Use Disorder in a 2018 Study
• Estimated 88,000 people die from alcohol related causes
• Driving fatalities related to alcohol totaled 9,967 deaths in 2014
• 47.8% of deaths from liver disease in 2018 involved alcohol
• In 2013, 47.9% of deaths caused by cirrhosis were related to alcohol
• The chances of getting cancers of the mouth, esophagus, pharynx, larynx, liver, and breast are increased by consuming alcohol

Below are facts about Alcohol Poisoning, according to the CDC:

• An average of 6 people die from alcohol poisoning each day
• 2,200 deaths in the US due to alcohol poisoning each year
• 3 in 4 or 76% of deaths from alcohol poisoning are adults ages 35-64
• 76% of the people that die from alcohol poisoning are men

Signs of Alcoholism

Below are some of the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse for you to look out for. You may be seeing these signs in your own behavior or the behavior of a loved one.

According to Mayo Clinic, some signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse include:

• Inability to limit the amount of alcohol you are consuming
• Unsuccessful attempts to cut down on the amount you are drinking
• Cravings for alcohol
• Work, School, and home obligations being neglected
• Loss of interest in hobbies or socializing
• Needing to drink more to feel the same effects due to a tolerance being built up
• Despite physical, social, or personal problems continuing to drink
• Withdrawal symptoms when you do not drink

Get Help At DreamLife Recovery

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcoholism, get help now at DreamLife Recovery, located in Donegal, PA. DreamLife is a drug and alcohol rehab facility with detox, MAT, residential, and aftercare planning programs. Don’t wait to get the help you need to save your life! We will help you find your Dream Life of sobriety. Call our admissions team at (844) 402-3592 or fill out a form now!

Resources:

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics 
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20369243