Alcohol Awareness Month
Did you know that April is national Alcohol Awareness Month?
According to the CDC, more than half of US adults report drinking alcohol in the past 30 days, with 17% reporting binge drinking and 6% reporting heavy drinking.
Alcohol contributes to about 19% of ER visits and 22% of overdose deaths with prescription opioids.
It’s estimated that that more than 140,000 people die from alcohol related causes each year, making alcohol the 4th leading cause of death in adults.
About 11% of US children under the age of 18 live with a parent who has issues with alcohol use.
Individuals with PTSD have high rates of comorbid alcohol use disorders because they utilize alcohol to cope with or manage their symptoms. Research suggests that range from 28% to 75% of individuals with PTSD struggle with a substance use disorder.
And in turn, those with alcohol use disorders, are much more likely than the general population to suffer from PTSD.
Queer folks often face more often face social stigma, discrimination, harassment and violence. As a result of these and other stressors, LGBTQIA+ individuals are at increased risk for both PTSD and alcohol use problems.
When someone is struggling with alcohol misuse or abuse, it is important to understand the reasons why they are abusing alcohol, and I can guarantee you it started as a coping strategy to deal with something they felt incapable of dealing with otherwise.
It’s important to get help for both the alcohol use issues and for whatever issues the alcoholism developed to deal with. Both are vital to healing and health.
