04/24/2024
April is Alcohol Awareness Month
We are recommending everyone have a ✔️ check in ✔️ with their relationship to alcohol this month. We live in stressful times. Like anything that can help us escape stress; eating, shopping/spending, exercising, screen time and drinking, too much of a good thing can lead to harmful side effects, misuse and possible addiction.
It's important to know the signs of Alcohol Use Disorder:
-Drinking more or longer than intended.
-Trying to cut down or stop drinking but not managing to do so.
-Spending a lot of time drinking, being sick, or getting over other aftereffects.
-Experiencing cravings, or a strong need to drink.
-Finding that drinking—or being sick from drinking—often interferes with taking care of your home or family, job, or school responsibilities.
-Continuing to drink even though it causes trouble with family or friends.
-Giving up or cutting back on activities that were important or interesting to you, or gave you pleasure, to drink.
-Getting into situations while or after drinking that increase your chances of getting hurt (such as driving, swimming, using machinery, walking in a dangerous area, or having unsafe s*x).
-Continuing to drink even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem.
-Having to drink much more to get the effect you want (tolerance).
-Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, irritability, anxiety, depression, restlessness, nausea, or sweating, when the effects of alcohol were wearing off.
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol use and need support, there are many resources available! Contact your primary care provider or our behavioral health team for resources and support: https://fastpacehealth.com/service/behavioral-health/
Other resources:
If you are supporting someone with alcohol use: https://al-anon.org/
If you are struggling with your alcohol use: https://www.aa.org/
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
