April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a resource implemented by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.1 The goal is to spread the word about strategies for preventing alcohol dependence. Did you know there are roughly 88,000 alcohol-related deaths every year?2 That makes alcohol the 3rd highest cause of death in the United States. Alcohol is only legal for those over the age of 21. Still, countless people die each year from alcohol-related incidents, including car crashes, homicides, suicides, and alcohol poisoning. Read on to learn how you can make the most of this month with Atlanta Detox Center.
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome and Other Health Concerns
Developing a drug and alcohol dependency is very dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping drinking can be life-threatening if not done with the help of a detox and rehab center.
Signs and symptoms that you may have alcoholism and drug dependence include:
- Drinking to blackout
- Developing high blood pressure
- Slow breathing
- Experiencing delirium tremens or seizures
- Cardiovascular disease
- Depression
- extreme anxiety when you can’t drink
People who feel they need alcohol to “relax” or “have a good time” are more likely to misuse it. This can create an especially slippery slope that can lead to even more dangerous drinking habits, such as binge drinking.
The Dangers of Binge Drinking
Binge drinking poses significant risks to both physical and mental health. Defined as consuming four or more alcoholic beverages in a single episode, this pattern of excessive drinking can swiftly lead to alcohol poisoning, a condition that may result in severe dehydration, coma, or even death if left untreated. Moreover, the detrimental effects of binge drinking extend beyond acute intoxication, as it can contribute to the development of alcohol-related diseases.
However, there is hope for those struggling with alcohol dependency, as timely intervention and comprehensive treatment programs offer avenues toward recovery. Through medical detoxification and intensive therapy, individuals can address their alcohol dependence and work towards achieving sobriety. With medical detox and intensive therapy, recovery from alcohol dependence is possible.
Ways to Practice Alcohol Awareness
Promoting alcohol awareness is critical for developing appropriate drinking habits and avoiding the harmful repercussions of alcohol usage. Individuals can help foster a culture of informed decision-making and moderation in their alcohol consumption by adopting simple yet effective tactics into their everyday routines.
Tactics for promoting knowledge about alcohol and awareness include:
- Educating Yourself: Stay informed about the effects of alcohol on the body and mind, as well as the risks associated with binge drinking and long-term alcohol dependency.
- Setting Limits: Establish personal guidelines for alcohol consumption, including the number of drinks per occasion and frequency of drinking, and adhere to them consistently.
- Planning Ahead: Before social events or gatherings where alcohol will be present, plan alternative activities or transportation arrangements to avoid reliance on alcohol for entertainment or relaxation.
- Encouraging Open Communication: Foster open dialogue with friends, family, and peers about responsible drinking practices and the importance of seeking help if alcohol use becomes problematic.
- Being a Responsible Host: If hosting an event where alcohol is served, provide non-alcoholic beverage options and monitor guests’ alcohol intake to prevent overconsumption.
By incorporating these practices into everyday life, individuals can contribute to a healthier relationship with alcohol and promote a culture of mindfulness and moderation. Through proactive efforts to raise awareness and prioritize responsible drinking, communities can work towards reducing the prevalence of alcohol-related harm and creating safer environments for all. This Alcoholism Awareness Month, take the time to prioritize well-being instead of a temporary good time.
Our Alcohol Detox in Atlanta
If you or a loved one has a problem with alcohol and needs to enter a treatment program, our Atlanta alcohol detox center is here to help. In addition to being a nationally accredited alcohol detox program, our Georgia Detox Center also offers inpatient detox from prescription drugs, opioids, methamphetamine, and heroin.
Call an Atlanta Detox Center admissions specialist today at 844-658-0927. Let go of dealing with this alone, and let’s chat.
Sources:
- Health.gov – National Health Observances
- CDC – Alcohol Use and Your Health
