Alcohol Awareness Month is an international event to raise awareness about the impact of alcohol addiction during April each year. This month is also a time to raise awareness about the benefits of joining an alcohol addiction treatment program.
The goal of Alcohol Awareness Month is to raise awareness about how drinking affects the body, mind, and life, ways a person can prevent themself from becoming dependent on alcohol, and how to respond if you believe a loved one is suffering from alcohol addiction.
If you or someone you love has a problem with alcohol use, please reach out to our experts at Fort Behavioral Health for guidance and support. Our highly qualified team is standing by to answer your questions about our alcohol addiction treatment program, so reach us online or at 844.332.1807 to learn more.
What Is Alcohol Addiction? Why is it Dangerous?
Alcohol addiction is a chronic disease of the brain. It is characterized by compulsive drinking, a specific withdrawal syndrome that occurs when alcohol use stops, and a persistent risk of relapse. The brain’s reward system is the primary mechanism that allows an individual to continue drinking despite the negative consequences.
It’s essential to raise awareness that addiction treatment is a viable option for those who need it.
Unfortunately, many people living with alcoholism will continue to drink even though they know they have a problem. This can be due to shame or embarrassment surrounding their drinking. It can also result from a lack of awareness regarding addiction treatment options. Alcohol addiction is not just about how much a person drinks or how long they’ve been drinking. It’s about behavior and a person’s ability to control how much and when they consume alcohol.
There are some serious risks associated with alcohol addiction, including increased risk of:
- Suicide
- Developing other mental disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia
- Becoming addicted to other drugs
- Unintentionally harming or killing others
- Engaging in high-risk behavior
- Developing severe health conditions such as heart and liver disease
Since alcohol is a widely accepted component in modern social function, those who suffer from alcohol addiction are constantly at risk and can rarely avoid the substance altogether. This is why comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment is vital.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Many people turn to alcohol to cope with stress and anxiety. Although this has become a way of life for some, it has lessened their ability to enjoy relationships with family members and friends. Alcohol Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize how damaging alcohol addiction can be for those who drink and everyone else in their community.
Treatment programs are available for individuals who have been addicted to alcohol or other drugs. A treatment program may occur in a residential treatment facility, hospital, church, or community center. Some addiction treatment options are cost-plus while other programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are free to join and participate in. Programs like these will teach people strategies to prevent their addiction, but they do not cure it. Research consistently shows that alcoholism treatment can have positive results on many levels. There are also helpful programs, such as Al-Anon, available for those with loved ones who suffer from alcoholism.
Celebrate Alcohol Awareness Month with Fort Behavioral Health
Alcohol abuse is a serious issue, and we see an increasing number of deaths and injuries from alcohol-related accidents and violence due to its widespread use. Alcohol is one of the leading causes of accidental death in the United States.
At Fort Behavioral Health, we have extensive experience treating alcohol addiction, along with co-occurring addictions and disorders. We also offer comprehensive support services for those adjacent to alcohol addiction. Our team is knowledgeable, compassionate, and ready to answer all of your questions about alcohol addiction awareness. Contact us today at 844.332.1807 or fill out our online contact form.
