Apr 1st, 2022
Alcohol Awareness Month is a health awareness campaign that was formerly sponsored by the National Council for Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD). It takes place every April and was established in 1987 with the aim of raising awareness for communities and to help understand the causes and treatment available for one of the nation's biggest health issues.
The facts
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It encompasses the conditions that some people refer to as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, and the colloquial term, alcoholism.
A person’s risk for developing AUD depends, in part, on how much, how often, and how quickly they consume alcohol. Alcohol misuse, over time, increases the risk of AUD. Other factors that also increase the risk of AUD include:
- Drinking at an early age
- Genetics and family history of alcohol problems
- Mental health conditions and a history of trauma
To learn more about AUD, its symptoms and treatments, please visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center believes that increased awareness can help to reduce the pain and suffering alcohol abuse causes to people's lives. This month, please join us in learning more about alcohol addiction and spreading the word in your social circles.
Source: recovered.org and niaa.nih.gov
Updated: 4/1/24
