The month of April has been dubbed in the recent past as Alcohol Awareness month. During this month, individuals are encouraged to reflect on their alcohol intake and educate the community on treatment with the goal of preventing and treating alcoholism.  

Through reflection and education, Alcohol Awareness Month is meant to give individuals the chance to actively take note of their alcohol consumption; a habit that can so easily be overlooked in daily life and especially in a society that encourages the consumption of alcohol as a way to relax and socialize within their lives. 
 

Alcoholism in the U.S. 

Alcoholism is ranked as the top public health issue in the nation. For such a treatable disease, there is a disparage of misinformation and a lack of education around the topic. This is one of the main reasons April is dedicated to alcohol awareness; to raise awareness of this entirely treatable condition. Since the pandemic, there has been an increase in alcohol abuse in the United States.  

How to Observe Alcohol Awareness Month 

A challenge that people can engage in during this month is choosing a weekend within the month to go Alcohol-free. The purpose of this exercise is to take note of how you feel during the days you’re drinking in contrast to how you feel during the alcohol-free days. This gives you a chance to take stock of how alcohol is actually affecting you; whether it is minimal, neutral, or negative, you have the opportunity to become conscious of the impact it has on your life.  

If your body has become conditioned to regular alcohol intake, you could experience flu-like symptoms within this short period of time. This is known as withdrawal and could be a sign of deeper dependence on the substance.  
 

What to Do if You’re Struggling with Alcohol 

If you feel you may be struggling with alcohol addiction, call California Recovery Center. We are happy to help you start your journey to a healthier balanced life! 

Take our alcohol use quiz to determine whether you are consuming a dangerous amount of alcohol. You can access the quiz here.