Why do we have Alcohol Awareness month? With an average of 140,000+ people dying annually, alcohol is considered the fourth-leading cause of preventable death in the US. Of that staggering number, over 2,000 underage drinkers will either die in a vehicle collision or in a homicide. What's worse, less than 10% of people who suffer from alcoholism receive any treatment at all. This, in turn, leads to a major economic burden; according to most recent estimates, the misuse of alcohol costs the US about $249 billion annually.
Alcohol Awareness month was born out of a desire to address the problem while eliminating stigma from the equation. First sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, the program was established in 1987. Each April, communities reach out to the public with resources about alcohol, alcohol addiction, and recovery.
Week 1: Substance Use
The first week of Alcohol Awareness Month is all about alcohol use disorder (or AUD). It is an inability to discontinue the use of alcoholic substances despite health or social risks. AUD is considered a brain disorder with a spectrum of levels — mild, moderate, and severe. On the upside, there is evidence that treatment is possible for all levels of the disorder.
When it comes to AUD, there are several vital warning signs to look out for, including but not limited to:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Changes in focus, attitude, or productivity
- Rapid weight loss or weight gain
- Deterioration of physical appearance
- Strange smells on breath, body, or clothing
- Slurred speech, tremors, or impaired coordination
- Apathy towards broken relationships and the consequences of alcohol/drug misuse
Note that some individuals are more at risk for AUD than others. If you know someone who engages in binge drinking or a heavy use of alcohol, their risk will grow over time. Other factors include drinking at an early age, genetics, a family history of alcohol abuse, mental health issues, and a history of trauma.
Week 2: Mental and Physical Effects of Alcohol
Week 2 of Alcohol Awareness Month covers the diagnosable effects of alcohol misuse. First and foremost, alcohol acts as a depressant to our central nervous system. Breathing, speech, thought, memory, and movement are all directly impacted. Those with AUD may experience frequent changes in mood, as well as slow reaction times to stimuli. The person might have bouts of confusion, difficulty remembering certain details, and even a loss of consciousness.
On the extreme end, AUD has the risk of developing into alcohol-induced psychiatric syndromes, such as depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, sleep disorder, and psychotic disorder.
There are a multitude of physical symptoms, too — especially organ damage. Alcohol misuse has been linked to heart disease, hypertension, oral cavity cancer, liver cancer, gut leakiness, stroke, pneumonia, and pancreatitis, among many others.
The combined effects have an impact on both the work performance of an individual as well as their safety. When an employee misuses alcohol, they are increasing the chances of injury for all parties involved. AUD has the potential to become quite the expense, as it is a leading cause for on-the-job accidents. Under the influence, employees are more likely to make poor decisions, compromise productivity, or even lose a job altogether.
However, some people are still able to carry out normal workday functions — they are known as functioning alcoholics. This is a cause for concern, because the functioning alcoholic is still under the influence and at risk for strained relationships, conflict at work, or encountering mental/physical health problems.
Week 3: Relapse
During the treatment phase of AUD, it is important to recognize and be aware of the signs of relapse, which can easily be caused by various triggers. Certain events, circumstances, or situations may cause a person to turn back to alcohol abuse, such as:
- Periods of stress
- Boredom
- Exposure to drugs
- Social pressure
- Anxiety or depression
- Physical or psychological discomfort
- Withdrawal
- Lack of self-care
- Sights and sounds (i.e, cans or bottles being opened)
Understanding potential triggers is paramount for the recovery process. Having a strong support system is key for those on this journey, and there are many ways you can help.
To be an ally to someone impacted by AUD, you can recommend a number of organizations and groups. The Alcohol Rehab Guide contains links to many useful sources, such as online counseling, support groups, research centers, and a hotline.
Week 4: Intimate Partner Violence
Alcoholism also has a lasting influence on domestic life. It can happen to anyone and everywhere; gender, class, socioeconomic status, and other such factors do not matter. Intimate partner violence (or IPV) may evolve in any relationship.
Victims of IPV are left with physical, mental, and social problems. They may face deteriorating physical or mental health, with some cases resulting in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Other consequences are chronic disorders, reproductive issues, and self-harm.
With the mental and physical strain of IPV, victims can have extreme difficulty managing a successful job. They may be facing substance abuse, lowered self-esteem, and trust issues all at once, which adds additional obstacles to hurdle.
Helping Employers Fight Addiction
Mobile Medical is here for the fight against AUD, today and every day. Reduce liability with alcohol testing, onsite clinics, and wellness initiatives that produce lasting results. Contact us today to improve your worksite productivity and performance.
