Alcohol Related-Harms & Alcohol Use (National Alcohol Awareness)

 

Courtesy Image from SAMHSA

April 1^st is the first day of Alcohol Awareness Month. The entire month of April of every year is Alcohol Awareness Month and the importance of raising awareness for preventing alcohol-related harms and alcohol misuse. Alcohol related harms and misuse sometimes begin at an early age and before finishing high school. Approximately seventy two percent of teens have reported having alcohol by the end of high school and more than a few sips. Underage drinking is harmful by making changes in behavior, coordination, blackouts, and changes the development of the brain.

Alcohol-related harms such as injuries from falling, fractures, and minor cuts can occur. However, dangerous, and often permanent injuries can also occur from heavy drinking especially if an assault occurs with violence. Too much alcohol consumption at pool parties is not recommended especially since drowning and other pool related injuries can occur. An adult must supervise pool parties especially if there are teenagers and young children. Nevertheless, pool parties can be fun without the use of alcohol, especially if there are teenagers in your home.

Do not make alcohol available in your home even if you are hosting a party with teenagers. Every thirty-nine minutes a person tragically dies due to drunk driving. Approximately thirty one percent of people get in car accidents related to alcohol. Never drink and drive. Supervision and having discussions about not using alcohol with underage kids is necessary to prevent alcohol consumption.

It is recommended to check your alcohol use. Know how much alcohol content is in gin, rum, tequila, vodka, bourbon, whiskey, brandy, wine, and other alcoholic beverages. Limit one drink if you are a woman. If you are a man limit to two alcoholic drinks. Do not drink alcohol when you are stressed out.

Keep a journal to write down your stress factors. Keep track of how much alcohol you drink. Drinking less and drinking in moderation is good for your health. Do not drink when you are pregnant, not twenty-one years old, take prescriptions, and plan to drive. Recovering from heavy drinking is a lengthy process that needs medical intervention, therapy, and family support.

Consequently, consuming too much alcohol raises the risk of high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and alcohol use disorders. There are short term and long-term risks of consuming alcohol at any age. Use red to bring awareness of Alcohol misuse and to bring an understanding of alcohol use. Wear a red ribbon, a red shirt, or something red for National Alcohol Awareness Month. Here are more resources for National Alcohol Awareness Month. 

Drinking Too Much Alcohol Can Harm Your Health, Learn the Facts-CDC:

Drinking too much alcohol can harm your health. Learn the facts | CDC

Alcohol-SAMHSA

Alcohol | SAMHSA

Get the Facts about Underage Drinking-National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: 

Get the Facts About Underage Drinking | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) (nih.gov)

* Courtesy Image from SAMHSA