Each April, Alcohol Awareness Month is observed. Established in 1987 by the NCADD (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence). April strives to focus on raising awareness about alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcohol Awareness Month brings education on the dangers of alcohol misuse, reducing stigma, and resources that could help find someone treatment or how to go through recovery. 

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and its researchers, each year, there are an estimated more than 178,000 alcohol related deaths. This makes alcohol a leading, yet preventable, cause of death in the United States.

Alcohol Awareness is a very important part of the month. According to the website Alcohol.org, a big part of the work when it comes to Alcohol Awareness Month is to get to the point of the stigma that is still surrounding alcoholism and substance abuse in general. “Denial is a common trait among those struggling with alcoholism or alcohol abuse. They often underestimate the amount they drink, the duration of their drinking problem, the impact it has had on their life, or overestimate their ability to control their drinking or to quit,” Kristina Ackermann on Alcohol.org states. 

People who suffer from alcoholism frequently face derealization. Derealization is often accompanied by depersonalization, which is a detachment from one’s own self. Together, the two are made from a part of a group of conditions that are most commonly known as dissociative disorders, which can also be known as a stress response to trauma.

“What are the signs of alcoholism?”

Signs of alcoholism:

• Occasionally drinking more or for longer than intended.
• Wanted or even attempted to cut down or stop drinking, but couldn’t.
• Spent more time drinking, wound up sick from drinking, or recovering from side effects.
• Being consumed with thoughts regarding drinking.
• Drinking or being sick from drinking has interfered with school, work, or family life.
• Continuing to drink even when it caused trouble with family or friends.
• Continuing drinking despite feeling depressed or anxious, or after having an alcohol related memory blackout.
• Gave up or cut back on important, interesting, or pleasurable activities to drink.

“How can I control an AUD and stop the urge to drink?”

• Remind oneself why they want to quit drinking, this can either be for health reasons or to better any relationships
• Talking through these urges with a friend, a sponsor, or a family member.
• Distractions with a healthy alternative, this can be achieved either by going on a walk or even a jog around the neighborhood.
• Acceptance can be normal, but it is also temporary; time will pass, and this urge will fade.
• Leaving a function in which the temptation is often high.

Alcohol is addictive. Especially if it is continuously consumed by someone at a young age. Drinking before the age of 15 can often increase the risk of developing alcohol dependence. This is more likely to develop in those younger than it would in someone who is 21 and over, as it disrupts the critical brain development, which can cause cognitive issues, increase the risk of injury, violence, and potentially long-term alcohol usage. 

“What happens if someone is drinking underage?”

Some consequences of underage drinking are often:

• Higher addiction risk: Teens who start drinking are more likely to develop alcohol dependence.
• Brain damage: Alcohol damages the developing brain. More specifically, the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex controls judgment and decision-making.
• Physical and Mental Health: Stunted growth, liver damage, and higher rates of depression and anxiety.
• Dangerous behavior: Early drinking is often linked to a higher rate of suicide, violence, and unintentional injuries.
• Long-Term problems: Young people who are exposed to alcohol early on often experience academic issues, lower grades, and have a higher chance of using illicit drugs.

Roughly 27.9 million people aged 12 and up struggle with alcoholism. Despite this rather high number, less than 10% of people struggling with alcoholism receive treatment. In 2024 alone, 11.8% (16.7 million) of males and 7.6% (11.2 million) of women have suffered from an AUD.

“What can I do to help someone who may be struggling with an AUD?”

Most of the time, alcoholics aren’t easy to help come out of an addiction. But approaching them with concern and focusing on specific actions they might have taken, rather than on judgment, can help them understand that they aren’t alone in their situation. Encouragement to seek help from a doctor or therapist can be helpful, but depending on the situation, that may not be what the person needs to hear. It often takes days, months, or even years for a person to recover from alcoholism. And, there will be setbacks, but it is best to approach the situation with patience and care rather than violence and anger.

“What resources are there for someone to reach out to?”

• Substance Use Disorder Access line: 1-866-732-4114
• 211 Referral Line: 211 or 1-800-283-9323
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• SAMHSA National Hotline: 1-800-662-4357
• CWS/Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-306-2413
• Tulare County Warm Line: 1-877-306-2413
• Poison Control Line: 1-800-222-1222