Each year in April, we observe Alcohol Awareness month, a public health effort organized by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence to increase outreach and education about the dangers of alcoholism and issues related to alcohol.
As the country deals with the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as social distancing and stay-at-home orders, it’s more important than ever to spread awareness about the danger using alcohol to cope. Using alcohol as a tool to cope with the anxiety and the loneliness of sheltering in place or maintaining social distance from others isn’t a wise choice. For alcoholics, it can continue or restart their addiction. For those who have never drank alcohol, or have only done so socially, it could create an addiction.
Safer and healthier coping tools include:
· Staying busy
· Spending time together as a family
· Making healthy meals
· Doing projects you haven’t had time to do
· Calling friends and family
· Learning a new skill or hobby
· Exercising
· Writing in a journal
It’s also important to point out the stigma that still surrounds alcoholism and getting treatment. Alcoholism is an illness and there is no shame in seeking help. If you or someone you know are having issues with alcohol use, call one of the following:
· Alcoholics Anonymous at 1-212-870-3400
· National Association for Children of Alcoholics at 1-888-554-COAS (2627)
· National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) at 1-800-NCA-CALL (622-2255).
For more information about Alcohol Awareness Month and local alcohol resources or information, contact the Wicomico County Health Department’s Alcohol and Other Drug Program at (410) 219-7544. You can also connect with the health department atwww.wicomicohealth.org or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram (WicomicoHealth) or Twitter (@WicomicoHealth).
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