Alcohol Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Amber Merefield
  • Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment manager

April is Alcohol Awareness Month.

Alcohol Awareness Month is a national grassroots movement observed by communities throughout the United States to support efforts against alcoholism and alcohol-related problems.

This year’s theme is “Connecting the Dots: Opportunities for Recovery.”

Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control, excessive drinking cost the United States $249 billion in 2010.

One in 10 deaths among working-age adults ages 20-64 is due to excessive alcohol use. More than 23 million people over the age of 12 are addicted to alcohol and other drugs. 

Alcoholism and alcohol-related problems cost employers billions of dollars each year in lost productivity, accidents and poor job performance.

If drinking has caused problems in relationships; at work or home; financially or legally, it may be time to get help.

The Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment office offers the following resources:

Coaching Into Care assists veterans’ families by showing how to begin a conversation about treatment.  Coaching is provided by licensed psychologists or social workers, free of charge and involves helping callers motivate the member to seek treatment.  For more information, call 1-888-823-7458.

For more information about alcoholism and recovery, call 883-9352/8873.