Once again, the premier provider of ignition interlock devices in Louisiana will offer reminders of Alcohol Awareness Month all through April 2024. The purpose of these posts is not at all to shame or embarrass, the purpose is simply to talk about alcohol more. Be more open about the dangers, but also acknowledge that many people find comfort in alcohol and that (when you're not abusing the substance or getting behind the wheel) it's not necessarily a bad thing.

April 2024 is Alcohol Awareness Month

Started many years ago in April 1987, the main target of the program was originally college-aged students who might be drinking too much as part of their newfound freedom. It has since become a national movement to draw more attention to the causes and effects of alcoholism as well as how to help families and communities deal with drinking problems. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and many other agencies try to increase their efforts to reach people who may not fully appreciate the dangers of unhealthy alcohol consumption.

Dangers of alcohol

Many Americans die because of alcohol abuse and alcoholism, and many more are admitted into hospitals, psychiatric facilities, jails, and prison. Alcohol places people at risk for things like divorce, unemployment, bankruptcy, and physical and emotional problems such as depression. Excessive alcohol use is known to kill about 88,000 people in the United States each year, but a CDC study suggests it is also a drain on the American economy. Underage drinking, binge drinking, alcoholism, and drunk driving impact so many lives in so many horrible ways.

Benefits of alcohol

If you're a light to moderate drinker and you're healthy, you can probably drink alcohol as long as you do so responsibly. Some people claim possible health benefits of consuming small amounts of alcohol. These may include reducing the risk of developing heart disease, ischemic stroke, and possibly even diabetes. The social and psychological benefits of alcohol also can't be ignored.

Risks of alcohol

As with most things, too much alcohol can certainly be a very bad thing. Heavy drinking can damage the liver and heart, harm an unborn child, increase the chances of developing some cancers, contribute to depression and violence, and interfere with relationships. Alcohol is a toxic and addictive drug.

Real stories about alcohol

We love sharing alcohol stories from real people. We'll offer fresh perspectives this month, but you can also revisit our previous posts:
- "My dad was an alcoholic."
- "My ex was an alcoholic."
- "I was an alcoholic."

Coming soon...

Follow along with us on our blog during the month of April. We'll hear more real alcohol stories about real people. These are not scripted and we do not guide our storytellers. It's their story and we simply let them tell it. Our hope is that we can show those struggling with alcohol use that you're not alone.

Be smart about alcohol consumption

As long as you won’t be getting behind the wheel, it’s probably fine to enjoy that after-work cocktail or a few beers at the fishing camp. But if you or someone you know has trouble keeping the alcohol intake at a healthy level, it’s time to get help. Smart Start of Louisiana offers tools to help with voluntary and mandated alcohol monitoring. We are here to help.

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