April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to learn about how alcohol affects our bodies, minds and communities. In American society, alcohol may be celebrated and seen as a normal part of everyday life. People use alcohol for many reasons. They may use it to celebrate important occasions, to feel more relaxed, or to feel more confident, however, the effects are temporary. Relying on alcohol to manage one’s mental wellbeing can become a problem in itself. 

Alcohol is a depressant. It affects the part of your brain that controls inhibition, meaning, you may indeed feel more relaxed, less anxious, or more confident after a drink. However, these chemical changes in your brain can lead to more negative feelings over time. Alcohol uses up the neurotransmitters in our brains that help us to naturally ward off anxiety and depression. This results in needing to drink more in order to relieve ourselves of these difficult feelings. This can quickly start a cycle of dependence on using alcohol daily just to feel normal.  

Addiction can make it very hard for a person to stop drinking, even if they want to. It can affect their health, relationships, and daily life. It is important to remember that addiction is not a sign of weakness. It is a health condition that needs care and support. Many people who struggle with alcohol can get help through counseling, support groups, and medical care. Talking about these issues openly helps reduce shame and encourages people to seek help.  

In the short term, alcohol can lead to things such as alcohol poisoning, sleep problems (which also affects mental health), bloating and migraines. It may make you behave recklessly, which may lead to legal problems of many kinds. Over the years, consistent alcohol use takes a toll on the physical body by increasing the likelihood of serious diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, and cancer. It is also possible to experience psychosis if you regularly drink a lot of alcohol, or if you are a heavy drinker and then suddenly stop drinking.  

For young people, alcohol is especially dangerous. Their bodies and brains are still growing and developing. Drinking alcohol at a young age can cause problems with learning, memory and emotional health.  

Families and communities play a big role in alcohol awareness. Parents, teachers and caregivers can talk to children about alcohol in a clear and honest way. These conversations help young people understand the risks and feel comfortable asking questions. When kids know they can talk to trusted adults, they are more likely to make safe choices. 

Friends can support each other too. If someone feels pressured to drink, a good friend can help them stand strong and make safe choices. Being a good friend means looking out for each other and speaking up if something feels wrong. 

There are many positive ways to handle stress and emotions. Talking to a trusted friend, family member or therapist can help. Exercise, like walking or playing sports, can boost mood and reduce stress. Creative activities like drawing, writing, or listening to music can also help people feel better. These healthy habits are better choices than turning to alcohol. 

Another important part of Alcohol Awareness Month is prevention. Prevention means stopping problems before they start. By teaching people early about the risks of alcohol, we can help reduce harmful drinking. 

It is also helpful to know the signs that someone may be struggling with alcohol. These signs can include changes in behavior, mood swings, trouble at school or work, and pulling away from friends and family. If you notice these signs, it is important to encourage the person to get help. 

Alcohol Awareness Month reminds us that everyone has a role to play. Whether you are a student, parent, teacher or community member, you can help spread knowledge and support healthy choices. As April continues and spring grows, it is a great time to reflect on health and well-being. Making smart choices today can lead to a healthier future. By staying informed and looking out for one another, we can build safer and stronger communities. 

In the end, Alcohol Awareness Month is about care—caring for ourselves and for others. Together, we can make a difference and help everyone stay safe, healthy, and supported. 

Here’s to your good health! 

 

It’s okay not to feel okay 

 

If you or someone you know has been struggling with their emotions, behaviors, or substance use please reach out to us. We can help you find appropriate tools and services that could help you overcome obstacles in your life. We are here for you. Please contact the Southern Ute Behavioral Health Division at 970-563-5700 for more information or to set up an appointment to see a counselor or therapist. 

Reminder: If you need to talk to someone, please reach out. 

And for those interested in opioid use education, harm reduction, and support, please contact us for quick Naloxone (Narcan) training and fentanyl test strips. We can schedule individual, family, or friends training times at our Southern Ute Behavioral Health Building, or we can come to you, and the training is around 30 minutes. Please call us at 970-563-5700 to set up a training appointment.