April is Alcohol Awareness Month
Posted on March 28, 2017
In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month this April, we thought we would share with you some very important information.
Effects of excessive alcohol consumption
Did you know that alcohol consumption at high levels can cause serious safety and health risks? Alcohol dependence causes many health problems including liver damage, diabetes, cardiovascular complications and chronic disease. These side effects not only impact the people drinking the alcohol, but they affect their family, children, friends, coworkers and members of the public as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol is associated with approximately 88,000 deaths per year.
In 2014, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Association (SAMHSA) found through a national survey on drug use that nearly 61 million people aged 12 years or older identified as binge alcohol users, and 26.8 percent of those people were considered heavy alcohol users. SAMHSA defines binge drinking as 5 or more alcoholic drinks for males or 4 or more alcoholic drinks for females on the same occasion on at least 1 day in the past month, and heavy alcohol use as binge drinking on 5 or more days in the past month. (Source: www.SAMHSA.gov)
According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis’ 2015 Traffic Safety Facts, there were 10,265 alcohol impaired-driving fatalities in 2015, representing an average of one alcohol-impaired driving fatality every 51 minutes. (Source: https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812376)
Warning signs and how to get help
Are you concerned that you or someone you know may be dependent upon alcohol? Here are several warning signs to look for:
- Alcohol use that results in neglecting responsibilities at work or at home
- Alcohol use when it’s physically dangerous
- Repeated legal problems because of alcohol use
- Repeated drinking even though it causes problems at home or with a spouse or friends/family
- Drinking as a way to relax or deal with stress
- Drinking first thing in the morning
To learn more about the effects of alcohol or to help someone you know dealing with alcohol abuse, reach out to your local community prevention center or visit the Massachusetts Substance Abuse Information and Education Helpline website.
For help finding a local alcohol treatment provider, contact Health New England’s Member Services Department at (413) 787-4004 or toll-free at (800) 310-2835.
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