FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — Alcohol Awareness Month is a public health initiative organized in April 1987, and has grown into 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.
According to Guy Caley, Army Substance Abuse Program Employee Assistance Program coordinator, denial is common among those struggling with alcoholism or alcohol abuse.
“They often underestimate the amount they drink, the impact it has had on their life and overestimate their ability to control their drinking or to quit,” Caley said. “Denial is also common among friends and family members who are uncomfortable acknowledging the gravity and reality of the situation.”
Others may seek to justify their heavy drinking thinking their life is so difficult they “deserve” a few beers, or that everybody else drinks as much as they do.
Alcohol Awareness Month gives public health organizations, community centers, and treatment facilities the chance to increase their efforts to reach people who may not fully appreciate the dangers of unhealthy alcohol consumption.
“Excessive alcohol consumption is also a factor in many illnesses, not just liver disease but cancer, heart disease and many others as well,” Caley said. “Alcohol abuse is also often a contributing factor in suicide among service-members and veterans.”
April is a month to take stock. Don’t just ignore problem drinking, whether it is your own or that of a loved one, battle buddy or subordinate. There are many places to seek help — Alcoholics Anonymous, groups sponsored by faith communities or the treatment resources on Fort Leonard Wood.
To reach the Substance Use Disorder Clinical Care at the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital, call 573.596.0522. To reach the Employee Assistance Program on Fort Leonard Wood, call 573.596.7199 or email guy.r.caley.civ@mail.mil.
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