April is Alcohol Awareness Month which is a campaign primarily targeting underage drinking, which was first introduced in 1987.  Prevention efforts have been generally increased around prom night events and graduation parties.  Now, it is focusing on more demographic groups.

Women who are drinking and pregnant put their baby at risk.  Older adults may find themselves alone or bored are drinking more and more. This is becoming an increasing trend without healthcare providers seeing the signs.  Stressed out Professionals may have a drink after a long day to unwind are drinking more without realizing it.  College students find that just because “everyone is doing it” may just do it because of peer pressure and not even realize the ill effects it can cause.

Will this change your mind about drinking after reading the facts?  Here are some staggering numbers.

– Nearly 18 million Americans or 8.5 perceent of Americans (one in ever 13 adults) abuse alcohol or are alcoholic.

– Some 75-percent of husbands or wives who abuse their spouses have been drinking at the time or prior.

– Health risks of drinking increased incidence of cancer of the liver, esophagus, throat, larynx; liver cirrhosis, immune system problems, brain damage, and heart problems.

– Over 85,000 deaths are reported alcohol related and the third deadliest over smoking and obesity being the first and second deadliest and most preventable.

– Drunk driving accounts for 16,000 alcohol-related deaths per year.

– Alcohol related problems cost the U.S. Economy over $185 billion per year in lost productivity and earnings due to alcohol-related illnesses, premature death and crime.

– About 40-percent of high school seniors believe there’s no great risk in consuming four to five drinks almost every day.

– Teens that experiment with alcohol prior to age 15, are four (4) times likely to become alcohol dependent when they are older than those who wait until they are 20.

Sources:  www.cspinet.org, blog4safety.com., National Council of Alcoholism and Drug dependencies (NCADD) http://ncadd.org.  Take the quiz on the NCADD website and see if you are needing help.

Recommendations for those who do drink but reasonably or responsibly.

– Going out?  Bring a designated driver with you.

– Never give alcohol to a minor or you could be facing time.

– Call a cab if you don’t have a designated driver.

>> Dedicated to my parents whom were heavy drinkers at time when I was growing up.  I saw a lot of things a young child should not see.  >> I wish all of you to be safe out there.

by Lisa Swenson

(c) 2012 The NW Fire Blog