National Alcohol Awareness Month APRIL

By Nick Jones, Executive Director
Recovery in Motion

Governor Katie Hobbs proclaimed April to be Arizona Alcohol Awareness Month to raise awareness of the most commonly used addictive substance in the US — and to call upon all citizens, parents, governmental agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, hospitals, and schools to participate. This is a great opportunity to update your knowledge about alcohol, alcohol use disorder, and the impact it has on health and society. Alcohol-related problems continue to exact an immense toll on individuals, families, and communities. During this month various government agencies, non-profits, schools, and community groups, host events and activities to educate the public about the risks associated with alcohol misuse. These efforts often include:

• Introducing educational campaigns through posters, flyers, social media, and other platforms with information about the effects of alcohol on physical and mental health, as well as its impact on families and communities.
• Proposing prevention programs to schools and youth organizations that organize workshops and presentations aimed at discouraging underage drinking and empowering young people to make healthy choices.
• Offering support services: helplines, counseling, and support groups are promoted to aid individuals struggling with alcohol addiction and their families.
• Engaging in policy advocacy efforts that focus on supporting legislation and policies aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm, such as stricter enforcement of underage drinking laws and initiatives to combat drunk driving.
• Organizing community events: health fairs, panel discussions, film screenings, and other community events about alcohol awareness and prevention.

In the US, more than 140,000 people per year die from alcohol misuse, making it one of the leading causes of preventable deaths. It is linked to more than 200 disease and injury-related conditions, and contributes substantially to health care costs, lost productivity and affects people’s health in ways they may not realize. Alcohol misuse can have painful emotional impacts on individuals and their loved ones.

The startling facts:

• Drinking can increase and exacerbate symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder. (AUD)
• 16% of adults in Arizona report binge drinking.
• Alcohol is the most commonly used substance among youth impacting individuals, families, and communities.
• Results from the 2022 Arizona Youth Survey show the most frequently reported substance ever used across 8th, 10th, and 12th-grade youth is alcohol.
• Research indicates alcohol use during the teenage years could interfere with normal adolescent brain development and increase the risk of developing AUD.
• Youth who drink alcohol are more likely to experience changes in brain development that may have life-long effects including, physical and sexual violence, school and social problems, increased risk of suicide and homicide, and alcohol-related vehicle crashes.
• 10% of youth in Arizona across 8th, 10th, and 12th-grade reported riding in a car in which the driver had been drinking.
• 40% of high school youth usually obtained the alcohol they drank by someone giving it to them.
• Statewide prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts surrounding alcohol and substance use can help individuals, families, and children cope with AUD and alcohol-related problems.
• Nearly 50% of cancers of the mouth, pharynx and larynx are associated with heavy drinking
• Among ER patients admitted for injuries, 47% tested positive for alcohol and 35% were intoxicated; of those who were intoxicated, 75% showed signs of chronic alcoholism.
• As many as 35% of heavy drinkers develop alcoholic hepatitis.
• As many as 36% of the cases of primary liver cancer are linked to heavy chronic drinking.
• Accidents related to alcohol use are among the leading causes of death for teens.

In Arizona, Alcohol Awareness Month provides an opportunity to increase outreach and education regarding the dangers of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and issues related to excessive alcohol consumption.

Learn more at http://www.recoveryinmotion.com