It’s an important time to draw attention to alcohol’s impact on our health and communities. To evaluate alcohol’s role in our own lives, and to educate about treatment options and recovery.

Here are some key facts you may not know about alcohol:

About 178,000 Americans die from alcohol related causes annually.

That’s about 124,000 men and 54,000 women, making alcohol the third leading preventable cause of death in this country.

A lcohol misuse has a ripple effect, causing issues that go beyond substance consumption alone .

Violence, car crashes, accidents that bring people to the emergency room – the World Health Organization has found that alcohol use contributes to problems that go beyond a person’s individual body and use.

American drinking is on the rise.

Nearly 30,000,000 people have or have had alcohol use disorder. A number that has risen by 20% since the covid pandemic.

This can all sound a bit scary. But it’s only scary because we rarely talk about it. By being honest about alcohol’s impact on our society and our own lives, we can chart a course toward healthier consumption patterns, or toward treatment and recovery when appropriate.

All addictions, including alcohol use disorder, are highly treatable. But everyone has unique treatment needs. What works for one person might not be effective for another. There are many options to explore and you’re not alone.

If you’re concerned about your own or a loved one’s drinking contact us for an Alcohol Assessment.

While there might be signs that someone you know is struggling with alcohol, it’s not always black and white. An alcohol assessment takes the guesswork out of determining whether you (or a loved one) are struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction.

There’s a path that’s best for you. We can help you find it.

The post April is Alcohol Awareness Month first appeared on Peaceful Summit Counseling.