Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug. A recent national survey on drug use and health indicated that there are approximately 51.1 million adult binge drinkers. Seventy-nine percent of these drinkers were employed either in full or part-time. Needless to say, alcohol use and abuse cause problems in the workplace with absenteeism, decreased productivity, co-worker conflict, etc. It also causes major life problems that impact the entire family. See the symptoms listed in this article and be aware of those around you. Alcohol Awareness Month, sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, encourages local communities to focus on alcoholism and alcohol-related issues. Alcohol Awareness Month began as a way of reaching the American public with information about the disease of alcoholism - that it is a treatable disease, not a moral weakness, and that alcoholics are capable of recovery.
An integral part of Alcohol Awareness Month has been Alcohol-Free Weekend, which takes place on the first weekend of April (April 7-9, 2007). Alcohol-Free Weekend is designed to raise public awareness about the use of alcohol and how it may be affecting individuals, families, and businesses. During Alcohol-Free Weekend, NCADD extends an open invitation to all Americans to engage in three alcohol-free days. Those who experience difficulty or discomfort in this 72-hour experiment are urged to contact local NCADD affiliates, Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon to learn more about alcoholism and its early symptoms. Essentially, it is a community consciousness-raising effort about alcoholism and health related issues and may serve as a trigger to recovery.
If you or someone you know shows any signs of alcoholism, call First Sun EAP and let one of our dedicated staff help to find the proper treatment. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-968-8143 or 803-376-2668 in Greater Columbia. To find your local NCADD affiliate, call the HOPE LINE at 800/NCA-CALL 24 hours a day.
http://ncadd.org/programs/awareness/aamk2006.html |
