Alcohol Awareness Month
April 2004

About
Kickoff
Symptoms
Mental health
Recognizing a problem

What is Alcohol Awareness Month?

Alcohol Awareness Month (AAM) is an annual observance that encourages local communities to focus on alcoholism and alcohol-related issues. AAM began as a way to inform the American public that alcoholism is a treatable disease, not a moral weakness, and that people who are addicted to alcohol can and do recover. Since 1987, AAM has been sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, an organization that is dedicated to fighting the stigma and disease of alcoholism and other drug addictions.
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What is Alcohol-Free Weekend?

Alcohol-Free Weekend is an organized event, celebrated nationwide, that traditionally kicks off Alcohol Awareness Month. This year's event takes place April 2-4, 2004. During this weekend, all Americans are invited to remain alcohol-free. The goal is to increase awareness in communities everywhere about alcohol use and how it affects individuals, families, and communities.
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What is alcoholism?

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines alcoholism as a disease that has four symptoms: (1) a strong need to drink (craving); (2) an inability to limit the number of drinks (loss of control); (3) withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating, shaking, and nausea, once drinking has stopped (physical dependence); and (4) a need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to get "high" (tolerance). People who crave alcohol have an uncontrollable need to drink that is stronger than their desire to stop drinking. The craving for alcohol can be as strong as the need for food or water. Alcoholism is chronic, meaning that it lasts for a person's lifetime. The risk for developing alcoholism is influenced both by a person's genes and lifestyle.
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How does alcoholism affect mental health?

Research suggests a close relationship between alcohol problems and mental health. People with mental health problems are at an increased risk for alcohol problems and vice versa. Studies show that the prevalence of alcohol dependence overall is almost twice as high in those with mental disorders as in the general population. It is not clear whether mental health problems are a cause or a result of alcohol problems. People may use alcohol to cope with a variety of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. On the other hand, alcoholism can cause a number of problems, such as family conflict, job loss, and financial worries that are likely to result in increased levels of anxiety and depression. Some researchers believe there is a common genetic or early family environmental factor that may contribute to both a mental health problem and an alcohol problem in some individuals.
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How can I tell if I have an alcohol problem?

You may have an alcohol problem if you ever:

• Feel as though you should cut down on drinking.
• Are annoyed by others criticizing your drinking.
• Feel bad or guilty about your drinking.
• Have a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover.

If one of these situations holds true for you, you may have an alcohol problem. If more than one of these situations applies to you, it is highly likely that a problem exists. If you think you have an alcohol problem, see a health care provider right away. Most alcoholics need help to stop drinking. Treatment programs for alcoholism use both counseling and medications. With the right support and treatment, many people are able to recover from their disease and rebuild their lives.
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