Today is Alcohol Screening Day, a part of April's National Alcohol Awareness Month to raise awareness about the harmful impact that alcohol misuse, abuse, and addiction has on individuals, families, and communities. Alcohol is the most socially acceptable and easily accessible drug on the market - what's worse is many believe drinking is not as dangerous as other drug use. Science and statistics prove otherwise. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports alcohol causes 88,000 deaths each year, making it the 3rd leading preventable cause of death in the U.S.
Alcohol is different than other illicit substances that we know can cause overdose deaths. It is known to kill slowly by deteriorating the body - alcohol contributes to many deadly diseases including 7 forms of cancer, weakening of vital organs such as the heart and liver, and affecting brain function. Drinking is not only harmful for individuals, it also has a negative impact on society causing car accidents, DUI's, injuries, violence, sexual assault, and property destruction. So, next time someone tries to justify drinking, remember just how deadly alcohol can be - knowledge saves lives!
Good News - help is available and learning about different options to address alcohol problems can be an important first step.
Contact your doctor, health insurance, local health department,
employee assistance program, or visit the NIAAA website:
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