April marks Alcohol Awareness Month, a dedicated time to raise public awareness about the dangers of alcohol and promote engagement in the fight against alcohol abuse.
As Arizona’s leading addiction rehab, Decision Point Center has helped countless people overcome problems with alcohol. Through our personalized treatment programs and therapies, we know firsthand that alcohol misuse, abuse, and addiction can look different for everyone. However, we also know that alcohol always has the potential to powerfully affect the body and mind and take a toll on the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
This April, we’re happy to honor Alcohol Awareness Month by doing our part to spread the word about this important observance, the problem of alcohol abuse, and the path to recovery.
The Importance of Alcohol Awareness Month: History and Objective
Established in 1987 by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), Alcohol Awareness Month was created to help reduce the stigma so often associated with alcohol addiction, with the intent to foster a more understanding and supportive landscape for individuals and families struggling with alcoholism.
The purpose of this month is not only about spreading awareness but also about educating people on the dangers of alcohol misuse, early education for children and teens, and fostering community efforts to combat the problems alcohol can cause.
Alcohol Addiction Statistics
The negative impact of alcohol abuse and addiction can be seen in the lives of individuals struggling with alcohol, families, and entire communities.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), there are an estimated 178,000+ alcohol-related deaths in the U.S. each year, making alcohol one of the leading preventable causes of death nationwide. Here are some additional statistics about alcohol abuse:
- Worldwide, up to 3 million people die each year because of alcohol abuse.
- According to the World Health Organization, excessive alcohol use is responsible for over 7% of diseases among men and over 2% among women.
- More than half of alcohol-related deaths are due to long-term use, with alcoholic liver disease, the leading killer, accounting for over 19% of those deaths.
- The COVID-19 pandemic had a marked impact on alcohol abuse, resulting in increased liquor sales and higher reported rates of excessive alcohol consumption that persist today.
The problems of alcohol misuse and abuse are also evident in Arizona. For example, statistics from the CDC show that Arizona has a higher number of alcohol-related deaths compared to its population, as well as an above-average rate of alcohol-related chronic causes of death. More on the Arizona numbers:
- An average of 3,670 deaths per year in Arizona are attributable to excessive alcohol use. Nearly 60% of those deaths are from chronic causes, such as Alcohol Use Disorder.
- Roughly 84% of deaths caused by excessive alcohol use in Arizona involve adults 35 and older.
- Nearly 17% of Arizona adults binge drink at least once per month.
- Excessive alcohol use costs Arizona taxpayers an estimated $8+ billion each year, or roughly $2.25 per drink.
Health Risks Related to Alcohol Abuse
Excessive alcohol use has long-term health risks that can lead to chronic diseases and other serious issues, including:
- Liver Damage: Alcohol takes a toll on liver function and can lead to conditions like fatty liver, which is caused by an excessive buildup of fat in the liver. Over time, drinking can cause further liver damage, including alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, which can be fatal.
- Brain Damage: Alcohol has both short- and long-term effects on the brain. In addition to impairments in judgment, balance, and coordination due to intoxication, chronic alcohol abuse can cause brain damage and problems with memory, learning, and decision-making. In some cases, long-term abuse can cause a condition known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, or “wet brain,” which can cause severe memory loss and cognitive issues.
- Mental Health Disorders: Alcohol abuse can exacerbate or contribute to the development of mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Some people drink to cope with mental health issues, but over time, alcohol can make them worse.
- Heart Disease & Cancer: Growing research has established a connection between heavy drinking and serious conditions such as heart disease and cancer. As studies show, the more a person drinks, the greater their risk for these diseases.
- Increased Accident Risk: Impaired coordination and judgment due to alcohol can result in accidents and injuries, impacting not just the drinker but others as well. This includes drunk driving, which causes roughly 37 deaths each day – or one death every 39 minutes.
As an alcohol rehab that has helped numerous individuals and families, we’ve worked with folks from all walks of life who, while struggling with problems that were unique and personal, commonly faced challenges caused by alcohol’s impact on their physical and mental health, family, and work. But as their stories and testimonials show, there is light on the other side of the tunnel, especially with the help of professionals who take a comprehensive approach to treating addiction and help people find their potential to achieve healthier, happier lives.
Find Help & Support for Alcohol Addiction at Decision Point Center
Decision Point Center is a licensed, full-service drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility located in Prescott, Arizona. From our serene and tranquil environment, we’ve helped thousands of people overcome debilitating addictions by providing personalized programs and an abundance of psychosocial resources and therapies designed to maximize their potential.
If you or someone you love are struggling with alcohol addiction, we want to help. From medically supervised alcohol detox to carefully crafted alcohol addiction treatment programs and innovative therapies, our whole-person approach can help you take control and build a foundation for success.
To learn more about our services, facilities, staff, and how you can get started, give us a call at (844) 292-5010 or contact us online.