April is National Alcohol Awareness Month. The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) calls attention to those suffering from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) by showcasing the available services.
“While alcohol is often viewed as a stress reliever or a societal norm, it’s important to realize that excessive alcohol use can cause short-term and long-term health problems and negatively impact existing mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression,” said DDAP Secretary Jen Smith. “Alcohol use disorder is just like any other substance use disorder in that help is available and with the right treatment and
supports, recovery is not just possible, it is probable.”
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA), almost 95,000 people die from alcoholism and related illnesses each year. This would make alcoholism and its associated illness the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States. The NIAA also states that only 4 percent of all alcoholics are prescribed medication to help treat their disorder. People with AUD account for a third of all admissions into rehabilitation programs in 2021.
“The increase in alcohol use, particularly among women, is a cause for concern. I want to remind women that no amount of alcohol is safe if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. I urge you to call our Get Help Now Hotline at 1-800-662-HELP or talk to your healthcare provider about available resources to keep you and your baby safe and healthy,” said Smith.
If you or someone you know is in urgent need, please get in touch with the DDAP’s Get Help Now hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assist you with your needs.
The Carbon/Monroe/Pike Drug and Alcohol Commission is located at 724 Phillips St. in Stroudsburg. They can be reached at (570) 421-1960.
More information about drug and alcohol addiction can be found at
https://justfive.org/pa-workforce/ and https://www.ddap.pa.gov/Get%20Help%20Now/Pages/County-Drug-and-Alcohol-Offices.aspx
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