April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States with 17.6 million people, or one in every 12 adults, suffering from alcohol abuse or dependence. More than half of all adults have a family history of alcohol abuse, and more than 7 million children live in a household where at least one parent is dependent on or has abused alcohol.
Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to the development of chronic diseases and neurological impairments including: dementia, stroke, hypertension, depression, anxiety, cancer, liver disease and more. Social issues can include isolation, family tension and unemployment.
Alcoholism has little to do with the type of alcohol one drinks, how long someone has been drinking or even exactly how much alcohol one consumes at a given time. It has more to do with a person’s uncontrolled “need” for alcohol and the grip it has on one’s life. If you find yourself craving alcohol, or living for that moment, it might be time to get help. Most people struggling with alcohol need professional assistance and benefit from the knowledge of individuals trained to deal with the physical and emotional effects experienced by alcohol abuse.
Fortunately, no matter how severe the problem may seem, most people who suffer from alcohol abuse can benefit from some form of treatment. Research shows that about one-third of people who are treated for alcohol problems have no further symptoms 1 year later. Many others substantially reduce their drinking and report fewer alcohol-related problems.
With support and treatment, many people are able to stop drinking and reclaim their lives. Employees of BHS clients have access to a dedicated Care Coordinator who will step them through the recovery process and point them in the right direction for treatment.
Behavioral Health Systems offers EAP and mental health and substance abuse benefits administration to companies across the U.S. Safety First, a division of Behavioral Health Systems, offers comprehensive drug testing programs to employers of all sizes. BHS actively advises our client companies on drug abuse trends and effective substance abuse policies in the workplace.