In the month of April, the nation dedicates time to shining a light on one of the most widely used and abused substances. Unfortunately, there’s a stigma attached to dependency on alcohol that stops countless families from receiving help. By observing Alcohol Awareness Month, we collectively open the door for education, reflection, and community initiatives to address it.
Recovery from the disease of addiction is attainable, and it should be met with praise — not shame. Here’s how we can come together to teach people about the dangers of binge drinking and alcohol abuse.
In 1987, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) determined the month of April to destigmatize alcohol use disorder. They initially wanted to inform the public that AUD was treatable, and dedicated January to March to alcohol awareness initiatives.
Since then, the movement has grown into a nationally recognized program of health organizations reminding local communities to host events and educate on substance use disorder. Everyone, from concerned parents to high-functioning executives, can fall into alcohol dependency — AUD is a chronic disease. Everyone has a stake in this fight.
The History and Importance of Alcohol Awareness Month
Why do we spend 30 consecutive days focused on alcohol consumption? Any type of alcohol use can be dangerous if you consume too much at one time — but did you know alcohol use is the fourth-leading preventable cause of death in the US?
National organizations use this month to open up conversation for recovering addicts to speak about their journey with alcohol, as well as provide resources for alcohol awareness to medical professionals.
The main idea behind Alcohol Awareness Month is to normalize conversations that typically have been kept behind closed doors. If an entire community is focused on spreading awareness about the dangers of underage drinking or binge drinking, it allows a worried parent or spouse to know they’re not alone. Education is one of the most effective forms of prevention against alcohol-related deaths.
A large part of Alcohol Awareness Month is letting people know about treatment options. Many people don’t know where to go for help or think seeking professional care is taboo. Not only will this month help individuals learn where to find recovery resources, but also allow doctors to better screen for alcohol use and employers to open their minds to mental health in the workplace.
Recognizing Signs of Alcohol Addiction
Where do you draw the line when a social activity becomes a medical condition? Alcohol use disorder exists on a spectrum, so there will be signs before it progresses into something unmanageable.
The physical symptoms of alcoholism could mean you have to drink more each night to feel “normal.” Withdrawal is another huge sign — you feel shaky, nauseous, or start sweating when you don’t drink.
On a behavioral level, you may start to neglect hobbies you once enjoyed, your career, or time with family to consume more alcohol. Does your loved one seem like a “burnout” professional that drinks to keep up with their workload? Or maybe a “stoic” provider that enjoys drinking because their job is very physical. Here are some other signs to look for:
- Are they drinking alone or in secret?
- Do they feel like they cannot stop once they start?
- Do they feel guilty about their drinking habits?
- Do they need to drink first thing in the morning?
For some people, just sitting down for a conversation about their drinking habits can encourage them to take stock or seek help. Others will dive right into drinking to detach from the reality. If someone you love goes from having a glass of wine to unwind after work to needing liquor to function throughout the day, it’s time to set some boundaries. They need them.
Navigating Through Substance Use Treatment
All forms of care start somewhere — recovery is no different. “Going to rehab” is not a one-size-fits-all package, and sometimes it may take visiting a few facilities to find what works for you. No two addicts are exactly alike, which is why quality substance use treatment looks different for every patient. A licensed medical professional should always assess a patient to determine the level of care they require.
During treatment, you will focus on the mental triggers that led to your addiction. You’ll work with caring professionals to create new coping mechanisms and healthy ways to manage stress. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) sessions are typically used during this time to address the “why” of your alcohol use.
Did you turn to alcohol due to trauma? Are you an anxious individual who used alcohol as a social lubricant? Maybe your drinking habits are triggered by your current environment? Substance use disorder treatment helps you recognize your reasons for drinking and equips you with the tools to stay sober long-term.
Although recovery looks different for everyone, group therapy and peer support are critical when it comes to feeling understood. No one wants to be the “lonely senior” or “invincible kid” when it comes to addiction. Building a support system with people who understand your struggles is invaluable and allows you to create a network of friends that will hold you accountable long after treatment has ended.
Tips for Supporting a Loved One
If you have a friend or family member struggling with their alcohol use, here are some tips on how you can help.
- Education: Learn about how addiction actually affects the brain and body.
- Reframe: Stopping at judgment will not open the door for recovery — remind yourself this is a disease like any other.
- Boundaries: Let them know you’re there for them, but you will not enable their behavior.
- Patience: This is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be good days and bad.
Breaking the Cycle of Relapse
One of the hardest parts of maintaining sobriety is life after treatment. Avoiding triggers is something we stress at every facility, but if partying was your main hobby, you’ll need to find a whole new way to live your life.
Building a “relapse prevention plan” with your care coordinator is important when negotiating the world outside treatment. Identifying your personal triggers and having a list of healthy actions to take if those triggers occur helps you learn to be your own cheerleader — the one you deserved and never had.
Call On Aspire Recovery Center | Doing the Work Together
Aspire Recovery Center of Frisco wants you or your loved one to know that you don’t have to try to figure recovery out on your own. At Aspire, we provide intensive outpatient alcohol addiction treatment and aftercare planning. No matter how your addiction started, we can help you understand your triggers and keep you from using alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Reach out to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one on this journey to recovery. During April is Alcohol Awareness Month there is no better time to focus on regaining your health.
