National Alcohol Awareness Month

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month. This month should be taken advantage of. Use this to teach people something, and to learn something new about alcohol usage. Knowledge of alcohol is crucial to preventing alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Some do not know the serious effects alcohol can have. If there is someone you know abusing alcohol, seek help and have a support group. The number one rule that cannot be stressed enough is to NEVER drink and drive! The two do not mix and never will. Call a cab or have a friend drive if planning to go out and drink. Leave the keys at home! Listed below are some warning signs of alcohol abuse and some ways to cut back on the drinking.

Signs of Alcohol Abuse:

        Drinking alone when angry or sad.

        Drinking worries your family and loved ones.

        Blackouts

        Headaches or hangover after drinking.

        Being late to work because of drinking.

        Saying this is the last drink, but going out to drink the next day.

Ways to Cut Back Drinking

        Keep track and set a limit of alcohol intake.

        Avoid places where heavy drinking occurs.

        Ask doctor, family and friends for help and support.

        Keep a limited supply of alcohol at home, if any.

Some people have a personal experience with alcohol abuse once and will never drink again. For others it is not so easy. Seek help if any of the signs happen more than once. So go inform and be informed. Someone's life could be saved in the process.

(Courtesy of healthfinder.gov)