April is Alcohol Awareness Month
The National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence Inc., NCADD, has sponsored Alcohol awareness month since 1987. The NCADD hopes to reach out to the public with information about the disease of alcoholism.
Drinking too much alcohol can lead to health problems, including alcohol poisoning, hangovers, and an increased risk of heart disease. This April during Alcohol Awareness Month, the Herkimer County Prevention Council encourages you to take the time to educate yourself and your loved ones about the dangers of alcohol abuse.
“Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug among youth in the United States, more than tobacco and illicit drugs” – Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Alcohol Free Weekend
The first weekend in April is Alcohol Free Weekend. Parents and other adults are encouraged to abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages for a 72 hour period. This is to demonstrate to youth that alcohol is not necessary to have a good time.
Youth exposure to alcohol is growing; alcohol advertising on U.S. television has increased 71 percent between 2001 and 2009. More than 70% of teens have had at least one drink by the age of 18. A family history of alcoholism increases a teen’s risk of alcohol use. Even if there is no family history of alcoholism, adults should be aware of how their drinking will influence children and teens. 40% of adults who began drinking before the age of 15 say they have signs of alcohol dependence, a rate 4 times higher than adults who didn’t drink until they were age 21.
Adults may understand to drink responsibly however, teens are more likely to binge drink. Binge drinking is very dangerous and can lead to Alcohol poisoning and death.
Risks of Binge Drinking
- Death
- Alcohol poisoning
- Permanent health damage
- Increased chance of stroke or other cardiovascular problems
- Increased risk of violent behavior
- Unplanned pregnancy
- STDs
- Unintentional accidents such as vehicle accidents, drowns, burns and falls
- Homicide
- Suicide
- Sexual assault
- Domestic violence
- Firearm injuries
************Warning Signs of Alcohol Poisoning**********
- Mental Confusion, stupor, coma
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow Breathing (Fewer than 8 breaths per minute)
- Irregular Breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths)
- Hypothemia (Low body temperature), bluish skin color, paleness
If someone shows signs of alcohol poisoning
Never Leave Them Alone!!
Call 911 immediately
Important Information for Parents and other Adults:
Setting an Alcohol-Free example and acting as a positive adult role model can help reduce teen alcohol use and help keep your teen safe.
The standards for drinking responsibly are zero drinks for anyone
-Under the age of 21
-Pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding
-Anyone operating heavy equipment
-Recovering Alcoholics
-Using certain medications
Responsible drinking is considered:
- No more than 1 standard drink per day for women (1 oz of liquor, one 5oz glass of wine or one 12 oz glass of beer)
- No more than 2 standard drinks per day for men (2 oz of liquor, two 5 oz glasses of wine or two 12 oz glasses of beer)
Warning Signs of Alcohol Abuse:
- Drinking alone when sad or angry
- Drinking has caused you to be late or miss work
- Your drinking has caused family members to worry
- Hangovers or headaches after drinking
- Loss of memory after drinking
- Continuing to drink after telling yourself you won’t
Strategies to quit drinking or drink responsibly:
- Keep track of your drinking and set a limit
- Avoid places where heavy drinking occurs
- Keep only a limited supply of alcohol in your home
- Ask for help from a doctor, family or friends
If you are drinking too much cutting back or quitting can help improve your health. Become aware of the warning signs and dangers of Alcohol abuse, find new ways to deal with stress and seek help. If you are concerned about someone else’s drinking, offer to help.
*Remember the legal drinking age is 21. It is against the law to give anyone under the age of 21 alcohol.
Underage alcohol use is a major cause of death from injuries among young people. Each year approximately 5,000 people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking; this includes about 1,900 deaths from motor vehicle crashes, 1,600 as a result of homicides, 300 from suicide, as well as hundreds from other injuries such as falls, burns and drowning.
For Additional Information:
http://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov/
http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/adolescent/adolflyer.htm
Contact the Herkimer County Prevention Council (315) 894-8080
Resources:
April National Health Observances Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion U.S. Department of Health and Human Services www.healthfinder.gov/nho/PDFs/AprilNHOtoolkit.pdf (retrieved 2/24/2011)
Facts about Alcohol Poisoning. College Drinking- Changing the Culture. http://collegedrinkingprevention.gov/otheralcoholinformation/factsAboutAlcoholPoisoning.aspx (retrieved 3/10/11)
NCADD Alcohol Awareness Month www.ncadd.org (retrieved 2/24/2011)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Surgeon General’s Call to Action To Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking: A Guide to Action for Families. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General, 2007.
Youth Exposure to Alcohol Ads on TV Growing Faster Than Adults, www.healthcanal.com/substance-abuse/13233-Youth-Exposure-Alcohol-Ads-Growing-Faster-Than-Adults.html (retrieved 2/18/2011)
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