National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week is observed March 20th–26th this year. This annual initiative was created to spread awareness of drug and alcohol addiction among youth so young people and their families can either prevent addiction or find the help they need to recover. Getting accurate information about alcohol addiction is important if you are concerned that you or someone you love may have a drinking problem.
When you need a trusted alcohol rehab center, Promises Washburn House is here to support your recovery. Our addiction treatment programs can provide for the needs of all clients, including inpatient rehab, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient rehab, and even an extended care program to maintain your recovery for the long term. Call us today at 855.298.3104 with questions about alcohol addiction facts and to learn how we can help you or someone you love recover.
5 Facts About Alcohol Addiction
These five alcohol addiction facts can help demystify the myths surrounding alcohol misuse and reveal the reality of this powerful addiction.
1. Alcohol dependence is a chronic disease that can be treated.
Abstinence and moderate drinking are the only ways to protect yourself from alcohol addiction. Moderate drinking is considered one or fewer drinks per day for women and two or fewer for men.
There is a common misconception that alcohol dependence or addiction represents one’s character. Many people blame the person for developing an addiction, although it is a chronic disease that requires proper medical care and therapy.
2. Not everyone who drinks alcohol will become addicted.
Some people in their teens and twenties may experiment with alcohol, but many stop drinking or reduce their consumption before developing an addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, this does not mean young people can drink excessively without worrying about addiction. Habits such as binge drinking, even only on the weekends, can significantly increase your risk of AUD.
3. There is no safe level of alcohol use while pregnant.
Alcohol can cross the placenta and reach your baby, potentially causing miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital disabilities. It can also cause the baby to have fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), a lifelong condition that affects the brain and causes problems with growth, heart defects, and learning disabilities.
4. Only a tiny fraction of people who need help for alcohol addiction receive it.
There are several barriers that prevent people from seeking or accessing addiction treatment. Some of the most common reasons people do not get the help they need for AUD are:
- Denial of alcohol addiction
- Inability to afford treatment
- Inability to access a treatment center
- Fear of stigma
Initiatives like National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week are crucial for sharing reliable information about alcohol addiction. Hence, people understand that AUD is a chronic disorder, not a personal failure. This can help reduce stigma so people can overcome denial or embarrassment about getting help. Awareness can also help lead the way toward accessible and affordable addiction treatment for all.
5. People with alcohol use disorder are at increased risk for mental health disorders like depression and anxiety disorders.
Depression and anxiety can often lead to self-medication with alcohol, especially when they are not treated. However, a person addicted to alcohol can develop mental health problems they did not have before. This is due to changes in the brain caused by chronic alcohol use.
Contact Washburn House for More Information about Alcohol Addiction
It can be challenging to know how to help someone with an alcohol use disorder. Still, by educating yourself on the facts about alcohol addiction, you will be better equipped to understand what they need to recover. Contact Washburn House at 855.298.3104 for further information about addiction or to schedule an intake assessment for yourself or a loved one.