A Stands for April and Alcohol Awareness Month

Alcohol abuse is considered the #1 public health problem in our country.[1]  In addition, alcohol-related deaths are the fourth leading preventable cause of death in the United States. [2]  Excessive alcohol use is a serious, potentially fatal disease if left untreated. Frequent binge drinking, defined as consuming more than 4 alcoholic drinks for women and 5 for men on an occasion, can cause violent behavior and injuries and can lead to promiscuity and unintended pregnancies, as well as alcohol poisoning, liver disease and cancer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes each year.  In 2014, about 10,000 vehicle crash fatalities were deemed alcohol-related, according to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis.

But these numbers only tell part of the story.  2015 statistics from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) show that 15 million adults in the U.S., ages 18 and older, consume excessive amounts of alcohol.  Nearly 10 million are men, with just over 5 million women falling into this category.  And, another 600,000 adolescents ages 12-17 are suffering from alcohol abuse. [3]

Yet, in 2015, only about 1.3 million adults and 37,000 adolescents received treatment at a specialized treatment facility.  [4]

What about the other millions of adults and adolescents who need treatment?

In 1987, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) sponsored the first Alcohol Awareness Month to help increase visibility of alcohol recovery programs, making it easier to find help.  They also aimed to diminish the stigma of alcoholism and teach the public where individuals who abuse alcohol can get treatment and recover.

As part of NCADD Alcohol Awareness Month, the Alcohol-Free Weekend in April is a weekend push to generate public awareness about alcohol use and abuse, and how it affects our communities.  It’s a time to join together and help individuals who are struggling.

If you or a loved one needs treatment for alcohol or drugs, contact NCADD at 800/622-2255 or click here for the closest NCADD Affiliate.  NCADD provides confidential, one-on-one assessments by trained professionals to help individuals find the most suitable local treatment or recovery services.

Goldman & Daszkal, P.A.

Since 1990, Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. has provided reputable legal representation to people throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties.  The firm has helped thousands of individuals recover compensation from motor vehicle and boating accidents, slip and fall accidents, product defect and liability cases, pharmacy errors, and negligent security cases to cover medical expenses, pay bills, take care of their families, and return to work.  Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. can help you get the relief you need to start living your life again after a serious injury.  For a free and confidential consultation, contact Goldman & Daszkal, P.A., at (954) 428-9333.

[1] https://www.ncadd.org/about-ncadd/events-awards/alcohol-awareness-month

[2] National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Alcohol Facts and Statistics

[3] National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)

[4] National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)