eNewsletter - April 2022

Give Dry a Try: April is Alcohol Awareness Month

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 95K Americans die from the effects of alcohol use each year. The center also reports that 60% of people increased their alcohol consumption during COVID-19 lockdowns and that 7% of drinking adults have alcohol use disorder. 

Organized by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Alcohol Awareness Month is a public health program that aims to increase awareness and education about alcoholism and other alcohol related issues. From providing resources on how to talk to a loved one who may have a problem with alcohol to identifying treatment options, the movement has been in effect since 1987. 

The importance of awareness. Because of the stigma related to alcohol abuse and use disorders, denial is common among those struggling with alcohol, as well as family and friends. This month is an opportunity for the healthcare community to help reduce that stigma, reach people who may not realize they or a loved one may be at risk and to provide resources needed for treatment and support.

Choose your challenge and get involved. Considering the growing need to drive awareness to alcohol related issues and support, especially due the increased statistics during lockdowns, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health encourages the community to join us in wearing lime green on Fridays throughout the month of April. Additionally, we hope you will commit to one of two alcohol-free challenges during Alcohol Awareness Month: 

Going Dry in April: Taking a month away from drinking alcohol is a healthy choice for all, not just those who feel they may have an issue, so Linden Oaks recommends that everyone consider going dry for the month of April. Studies show that even a month away from alcohol has measurable health benefits, such as a reduction in calories consumed and a lightened burden on the liver that allows the organ to fight other inflammation in the body. For the biggest benefit of a dry month, replace drinking with a healthy habit like taking a walk or spending time researching the dangers of alcohol. Finally, at the end of the month, analyze your experience and the benefits you’ve experienced.

Alcohol-Free Weekend: If going dry for the month of April isn’t the right challenge for you at this time, we encourage an alcohol-free 72-hour period during any April weekend. Participants might use this time to further investigate the impact alcohol has in their lives and consider how going dry for a longer period might benefit them. At the end of the weekend, consider scheduling a dry week or month in the future.

Find more resources. Linden Oaks has behavioral health professionals available for consult that specialize in treating alcohol use disorder. To connect with a certified therapist for a behavioral health assessment, please call the Linden Oaks Help Line 24 hours a day at (630) 305-5027 and one of our professionals will assist in determining if a patient may benefit from treatment at Linden Oaks Behavioral Health.