Friday, April 21, 2006
ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH THROUGHOUT APRIL
April as Alcohol Awareness Month and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) realize the seriousness of extensive alcohol consumption, which can lead to problems of alcohol abuse.
Alcohol abuse and its adverse effects have been an area of increasing concern. Abusing alcohol can lead to severe long term problems such as: liver disease, heart disease, certain types of cancer and pancreatitis. Major initiatives in the state of Florida and throughout the country have aimed to reduce underage drinking.
2004 data show 1,093 Floridians died and 17,580 were injured in alcohol-related traffic crashes. State health officials recommend an anonymous screening to alcohol consumers to see if their drinking habits may be risky. People who come into the screening site will have the chance to view an educational presentation and pick-up educational materials, such as questionnaires that screen for risky drinking and dependence. People can also meet one-on-one with a health professional to discuss any concerns. The screenings are FREE and ANONYMOUS. Last year, more than 203,000 people participated in these screenings.
HHS Alcohol and Drug Information Web site, provides the following alcohol abuse questions to help those who are concerned about their alcohol intake. HHS suggests, if you are drinking too much, you can improve your life and health by cutting down. If you feel you are drinking too much, please read these questions below and answer yes or no to find out:
- Do you drink alone when you feel angry or sad?
- Does your drinking ever make you late for work?
- Does your drinking worry your family?
- Do you ever drink after telling yourself you won't?
- Do you ever forget what you did while you were drinking?
- Do you get headaches or have a hang-over after you have been drinking?
If you suspect that you might have a drinking problem or know someone who abuses alcohol, please contact HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) at (800) 729-6686 or find a screening site located near you.
