Melanie Blasko, Pres. & CEO
E-Mail: mblasko@lgrc.us
Phone: 440.255.0678
Fax: 440.255.6348
Alternate: John Keller, Chief Development Officer
Phone: 440.205.2671

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

Mentor, OH March 31, 2021: Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers is proud to participate in Alcohol Awareness Month. According to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, during the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are turning to alcohol to cope with unprecedented uncertainty and stress. Researchers found that alcohol consumption among adults increased by 14%. “People have been using alcohol as an unhealthy way to cope and manage stress,” said Melanie Blasko, President & CEO of Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers. “Prior to the pandemic, alcohol was a significant public health concern. Specifically, the pandemic has created a loss of safety and security impacting every facet of life including unemployment, working from home, managing children’s schooling and loss of a loved one from COVID-19 just to name a few,” Blasko says.

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control reported State liquor agencies sold 16.75 million gallons of high-proof liquor last year, an increase of 9.8% from the 15.24 million gallons sold in 2019 and up 14.2% on a two-year basis from the 14.65 million gallons sold in 2018. Alcohol awareness month gives us a chance to reflect on our drinking habits and make changes to help our overall health. Low risk drinking standards are no more than 2 drinks a day for men and no more than 1 drink a day for women.

To spread the word and prevent alcohol abuse, Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers is joining other organizations across the county and state to celebrate Alcohol Awareness Month and help individuals cope with stress. Ideally, coping skills should involve activities that directly reduce stress or enhance your well-being. For example:

• Exercise
• Follow creative pursuits
• Get enough sleep
• Stay hydrated
• Eat healthy, nutritious food
• Take care of your emotional health, seek counseling/therapy

For more information about alcohol addiction and awareness for you or a loved one, we encourage you to call Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers at 440-255-0678 or visit us online at www.lgrc.us/services/.

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.

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