April is National Alcohol Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public awareness about the dangers of alcohol misuse and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers is committed to educating the community about the risk of alcohol misuse, reducing the stigma associated with the disease of addiction, and promoting resources for prevention, treatment and recovery.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol-related problems affect millions of Americans, with excessive drinking contributing to serious health conditions, accidents, social and economic concerns. National Alcohol Awareness Month serves as a reminder that alcohol use disorder is treatable, and help is available.
“Alcohol misuse impacts not only individuals, but also families and entire communities. At Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers, we see firsthand that recovery is possible when people have the right care and resources,” said Melanie J. Blasko, President and CEO of Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers. “National Alcohol Awareness Month is a time to remind the community that help is available and that reaching out is a sign of resilience. Together, we can create a healthier, more compassionate environment for those who need it.”
As part of its efforts, Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers encourages community members to get involved in the conversations. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol misuse or abuse, there are ways to help. A few steps you can take to ensure that alcohol doesn’t become a problem for you or your loved ones:
- Show compassion: Share your concerns and support with loved ones. Have an honest, clear, and direct conversation about their habits and drinking patterns.
- Education: Learn about the impact of alcohol consumption and discuss with friends and family. Parents, talk to your children about the dangers of alcohol and drug use.
- Limit alcohol consumption or try sobriety all together. If you’re considering changing your drinking habits, you’ll need to decide whether to cut down or quit. It’s a good idea to discuss different options with a healthcare professional, a friend, or someone else you trust.
- Get active: by exercising or find enjoyment by learning a new skill or hobby that doesn’t involve alcohol.
- Minimize temptation: Limit time spent at bars or other venues that serve alcohol. Engage in social outings and events that do not encourage or center around alcohol.
- Seek additional support: Connect with licensed trained medical professionals for additional help, by calling Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers at 440.255.0678
Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers provides a wide range of services for adults whose lives have been affected by their own or another’s use of alcohol or other drugs, by problem gambling or by mental illness. At every level from prevention to residential recovery services, we offer a message of hope to individuals, families, and the entire community.
Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers is a private, nonprofit agency providing continuous service to the community since 1971. Services at Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers are made possible due to the generous support of the Lake County ADAMHS Board, the Geauga Board of MHRS, and United Way of Lake & Geauga Counties.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s Rethinking Drinking page has interactive resources to help you examine your drinking patterns. For additional resources and information about alcohol use and your health, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
