Alcohol Awareness Month brings visibility to addiction and alcohol treatment programs in your Denver, CO community. Continuum Recovery of Colorado participates in Alcohol Awareness Month, which was started in 1987 by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence to help people feel more comfortable so they can face their addiction and get help. Here is what you need to know about this national movement and how it improves recovery chances for those suffering from alcohol addiction.
How to Stop the Stigma During Alcohol Awareness Month in April
This awareness campaign started as a way to target college students who took advantage of their new freedom to overindulge in alcohol and drugs. A common element in alcohol abuse is denial, as people minimize their addiction by claiming to be “party people,” or that their drinking and related behaviors are not a big deal.
Besides denial, there is also an issue with stigma. There is already a strong stigma associated with any mental health issue in the U.S., and alcoholism is no different. Admitting weakness is already difficult, but when it is associated with being unable to function in society or lacking self-discipline, it leaves people who are suffering with addiction reluctant to seek treatment. From there, their addition only intensifies and leads to serious health problems, along with financial difficulty, job loss and family tension.
Neither of these issues is unique to college students, which is why campaigns are not limited to college campuses. Other community resources reach out wherever there are vulnerable people, but also remain available to the public in general.
Take Action in April for Alcohol Awareness Month
Alcohol Awareness Month is a chance for treatment facilities, public agencies and community centers to offer education on alcohol addiction. This can include accurate assessments that help people determine whether they have an issue with alcohol, as well as the signs of when a loved one suffers from alcoholism. From there, people can learn about treatment options or how to start a conversation when they are concerned about a friend or family member’s drinking habits.
Action also includes advertising to college campuses, which remain vulnerable to alcohol addiction. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2018, 54.9 percent of full-time college students aged 18 to 22 drank alcohol in the last month. Of those surveyed, 36.9 percent engaged in binge drinking and 9.65 percent admitted to heavy alcohol use. Outreach warns students of the effects of alcohol abuse so they are less likely to cause harm to themselves and others. As binge drinking can kill, this is an important campaign that can save many lives through education.
Treatment facilities may also run campaigns that allow them to be more accessible to people seeking treatment or wishing to persuade others to enter treatment. While the current COVID-19 lockdowns may limit some in-person services, as an essential medical service, we are still here for anyone who requires treatment for addiction.
Alcohol Rehab Center in Denver, CO
Continuum Recovery of Colorado offers holistic alcohol treatment programs in Denver, CO that help patients enjoy better quality of life. We accept all insurance and are regarded as one of the premier treatment facilities in the city. Contact us today to start treatment.
