Virginia Alcohol Safety Awareness Program In Richmond, Va

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 38 million adults in the United States drink alcohol excessively. Still, very few medical providers approach the subject as part of routine care. However, when medical professionals discuss the issue and offer referrals for assessment and counseling, the consumption rate may go down by as much as 25%. Reducing excess drinking means fewer alcohol-related deaths, domestic issues, and other health problems such as heart disease, cancer, auto crashes, and sexually transmitted diseases. Here are a few tips for helping those in your community who are struggling with excessive drinking.

Remove the Stigma by Speaking Openly

No matter how many or few people you know, you have a platform to help remove the stigma that still exists around alcohol. Here are some ways you can use your circle of contacts to let them know that you are willing to talk if they need someone to listen.

• Use your social media accounts to share information about how, where, and when someone can attend a screening event, find a treatment center, an alcohol recovery program or other resources for getting help.
• Take part in community events to educate others on the availability of alcohol treatment programs in your area.
• Share information on local nonprofit and faith-based organizations that offer services for people struggling with excessive drinking.
• Open a conversation with friends and family about drinking. This effort may encourage someone to open up and disclose a problem. Offer to help them find resources, or, if they aren’t ready to get help yet, offer to join them in the effort to reduce their daily intake.

Know the Signs of Excessive Drinking

Learn what to look for in someone who is drinking too much and may need an alcohol rehab program. While every person is different, some common signs and symptoms might be a warning sign of a problem.

• Drinking more than you plan to or for more hours at a time
• Getting physically sick or hungover from drinking regularly
• Losing a job, missing excessive days of work, or failing to perform job duties correctly due to drinking
• Withdrawing from activities you enjoy so that you can spend more time drinking
• Continuing to drink even after it harms your physical and mental health
• Experience withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, sleeplessness, or hallucination

If you recognize any of these signs in someone close to you, offer resources and support, while being compassionate. Taking an aggressive stance will likely put the person on the defensive and head off any productive discussion.

Let Casselton Consultants Help

At Casselton Consultants, we offer a full range of treatment programs, including outpatient services, substance abuse evaluation, screenings, and support groups. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol overuse, contact us today for a consult. Let us help break the cycle.