National Alcohol Screening Day: Improving Health
National Alcohol Screening Day takes place on the first Thursday in the month of April. It raises awareness about alcohol misuse and offers free, compartmentalized screenings to help individuals assess their drinking habits and seek appropriate support if needed.
It can be challenging to discuss alcohol use disorders and alcohol drinking problems. Risky drinking behaviors, such as binge drinking, are commonly normalized in society, which can make it challenging to detect signs of a mental illness. Raising awareness can be crucial, which is a significant part of what National Alcohol Screening Day aims to do.
Understanding the goals can help you connect with resources, reduce stigma against substance use disorders, and learn more about how to get support and find treatment options for alcoholism and drug dependence if you're struggling. You're not alone, and many resources are available.
What is National Alcohol Screening Day?
It is a national event that takes place in the United States on April 6th of every year. The first instance took place in 1999 supported by national institutes like the National Council. During this time, individuals are encouraged to get an alcohol screening test and are often provided resources for finding and receiving support if a health professional expresses concern and it resonates with their experience.
Facts on AUD and binge drinking
In addition to promoting screening tools, learning about alcohol use disorder is only one way to observe National Alcohol Screening Day and raise awareness throughout the year. Alcohol use disorder (sometimes abbreviated to AUD) and alcohol misuse aren't interchangeable terms, but they can both be considered.
Another way to celebrate is by reading recent statistics about alcohol use, including the following:
In 2019, five million individuals residing in the United States above 12 were living with alcohol use disorder, with 7.2% reaching out for treatment. That same year, 25.8% of those 18 and older experienced alcohol problems such as binge drinking, which is a pattern of drinking that raises an individual's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher.
Since 2020, excessive drinking has increased by 21% in the United States. Experts suggest this increase can lead to more alcohol-related deaths, including liver cancer and liver failure.
Those who experience alcohol use disorder face a heightened risk of various health concerns, including liver disease, heart disease, stomach bleeding, other GI issues, stroke, depression, early mortality, and cancer.
AUD can have harmful effects for many areas of your life. AUD and alcohol misuse can affect your mental and physical health, family life and other interpersonal relationships, educational pursuits for college students, professional life, and more. If you live with AUD or experience another type of substance abuse, you aren't alone; support is available.
Alcohol use treatment
Various forms of treatment are available for AUD, and the most effective course of treatment can vary from person to person. Treatment may include detox, inpatient or outpatient care, peer support groups, and more. Treatment facilities can support you throughout these processes. Medications are sometimes used in treatment. However, consult a doctor before considering, starting, or stopping medications.
If a person has a comorbid or co-occurring condition, which is common, treatment may address these concerns as well. Common conditions alongside AUD include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Often, ongoing support from others can be advantageous in recovery. Also, if you are struggling with alcoholism and PTSD from acts of service, military installations can offer both their experience and support.
Make positive and supportive social connections
Positive, supportive social connections can be beneficial for anyone. If you are curious about becoming sober or want to reduce your risk, consider surrounding yourself with people who don't connect via drinking. You may be able to find these individuals through local meetups and organizations, support groups, and online spaces.
Know the signs of alcohol use disorder
Warning signs can include the following:
Heavy drinking patterns of consuming more than intended
Struggling to cut down or stop drinking despite the desire to do so
An increased tolerance for alcohol
Frequently drinking six or more drinks
You might find that you need to drink more than before to get the same intended effect after drinking more often. Additionally, you may continue to drink despite the behavior causing interference with your family life or professional obligations.
Care for your well-being each day
Stress and traumatic events can increase the risk of alcohol use disorder and alcohol misuse. With this in mind, it may be vital to use self-care, employ stress management, and establish healthy coping skills when dealing with life's stressors.
Self-care can look like paying attention to sleep hygiene, getting enough sleep, engaging in physical activity, eating regularly, and spending time with people who make you feel optimistic. It could also mean having go-to tools for coping during rough times, like breathing exercises, journaling, or reaching out to others.
Find professional support and screening
If you notice symptoms of a mental health condition, are experiencing ongoing stress, face tension in interpersonal relationships, or otherwise need someone to talk to, consider speaking with a therapist or counselor.
Support groups, which you can often find for free, may also be helpful. If you're low-income, you may be able to find cost-effective mental health therapy, whether that's online or in a face-to-face setting. Public health organizations, such as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, provide information to help you seek alcohol abuse treatment. AUD and other mental health concerns can often be managed with practical tools and professional support.
Counseling for alcoholism and drug dependence
If you're concerned about your habits with substances such as alcohol, consider confiding in a professional. Online counseling platforms like BetterHelp can connect you with licensed therapists experienced in various areas, including substance use and addiction.
Opening up to the people in your life about your alcohol consumption can be difficult and uncomfortable. When you reach out to someone online, you can get discreet support and choose between phone, video, or chat sessions with your therapist. In addition, you can change your therapist at any time if you don't match with your first option. Hundreds of mental health professionals are available on the platform to offer treatment.
Research has shown the effectiveness of online therapy in treating a wide range of mental health concerns. One study found that therapist-guided e-therapy successfully curbed harmful habits related to alcohol consumption, cannabis use, and gambling addiction. Studies like these showcase how online therapy, which is often more cost-effective, can be as effective as face-to-face therapy for most people.
Takeaway
National Alcohol Screening Day provides ample opportunity for you or a loved one to take a screening test to assess your level of dependence on substances like alcohol. If you discover that you're struggling with a concern such as dependence or a substance use disorder, help is available.
You can reach out for support through an online counseling platform or to a therapist in your area. Many therapists are trained in addiction and substance misuse and can give you tools that may help you move past unhelpful habits.
During National Alcohol Screening Day every April, what does screening mean?
An alcohol screening is relatively non-invasive and brief. Often, it is a brief questionnaire consisting of a series of questions like the following:
"How often do you drink?"
"How many standard drinks do you consume when you drink?"
"Has someone in your life expressed concern related to your drinking habits?"
Why is alcohol awareness important?
It is crucial because it can lead to the detection of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other concerns related, like misuse. Detection of concerns such as AUD can save lives and prevent the long-term effects of heavy consumption.
What are signs that your liver is negatively impacted?
Signs that your liver health is negatively impacted can include but aren't limited to:
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain and swelling
Confusion
Difficulty with memory
Fatigue
Itchy skin
Make an appointment to see your doctor if you notice any physical or mental health-related symptoms that raise concern, as they could be serious.
What is the National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism?
The National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, which is part of the National Institute of Mental Health, aims to educate the public on the adverse effects of alcohol use. Among its efforts, the council conducts and supports research, collaborates with various organizations engaged in alcohol-related efforts, and shares findings in publications. The council's history goes back to 1970, a time when legislation recognized alcohol misuse (then termed "alcohol abuse") as a significant public health concern.
How does addiction affect your mental health?
Substance use and mental health conditions often coincide, as both share some underlying causes and risk factors, such as having adverse early life experiences and genetic predisposition. Findings also suggest that the use of certain substances (also known as drugs) can make people with addiction more likely to experience symptoms of a mental health condition. During the process of alcohol withdrawal, for example, some people may also experience symptoms of anxiety, sleep disturbances, and depression.
What is national alcohol screening day celebrated for?
National alcohol screening day intends to help raise awareness of alcohol dependence, its risks, and how alcohol misuse may affect a person's health and well-being. Screenings are offered in communities and may be found in schools, hospitals, colleges, community centers, and businesses. A person can also have an alcohol screening online at any time. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), which was developed by the World Health Organization, offers a simple, interactive way to assess alcohol consumption.
Can alcohol abuse and addiction lead to mental health problems?
Many people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) also have mental health conditions. For example, findings indicate that depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are significantly higher in people with AUD when compared to the general population. One reason for this may be that individuals with mental health conditions may be more likely to use alcohol as a coping mechanism. Another reason may be that risk factors, such as genetic predisposition and experiencing trauma, might make a person more likely to develop mental health disorders and/or AUD. Researchers speculate that excessive drinking over a prolonged period may also predispose a person to developing mental health conditions.
Why is National Alcohol Screening Day celebrated in April?
The month of April is dedicated to alcohol awareness, so National Alcohol Screening Day may be seen as part of a wider effort to educate people about alcohol use disorder (AUD), offering resources and support for individuals, parents, and healthcare professionals. Alcohol Awareness Month also allows communities as a whole to engage in efforts to promote alcohol awareness, learn about treatments, and help reduce stigma around discussing alcohol misuse.
When is National Alcohol Screening Day?
National Alcohol Screening Day is observed annually on Thursday of the first full week of April. The day is dedicated to promoting awareness of alcohol dependence and its effects on health.
How far back can an alcohol test detect alcohol?
Depending on the test used, alcohol tests can measure alcohol in the body as far as 90 days, which is the case if a hair sample is used. Urine, blood, saliva, and breath tests determine the length of time that alcohol stays in the system differently. For example, a urine test can detect alcohol consumption within 12-48 hours.
- Previous Article
- Next Article