April is National Alcohol Awareness Month

Get the Facts.

• People who drink alcohol are more likely to have job performance issues.
• Drinking too much alcohol may cause health problems, such as:
  • high blood pressure
  • brain, liver, heart, nervous system problems
  • cancer
  • learning and memory problems, including dementia
  • mental health problems, including depression and anxiety

Take Action.

• Identify your reasons. Make a list of the reasons you want to cut down on or stop drinking alcohol. You might want to ask a trusted friend or family member to help you make a complete list.
• Make a plan. Set a date to stop drinking. Post the list in places where you can see it often.
• Avoid stumbling blocks. Many things can interfere with meeting your goal to cut down on or stop drinking. If your current life revolves around alcohol use, you might need to choose new friends or a new lifestyle.
• Reward yourself. Use the money that you are no longer spending on drinking to do something fun with your family or friends. Go out to eat, see a movie, or play sports or a game.

Getting Help

• Some people can stop drinking on their own; others need medical help to manage the physical withdrawal process.
• Many people attend self-help groups to help them stick to their plan to cut down or stop drinking. If you are not sure whether a self-help group is for you but would like to try, go to a group at least 3 times before you make your decision.
• If you drank after successfully stopping (relapse), it does not mean that you have failed. Relapse is common. Begin again, using your experience to help you learn how to stick with your plan this time.
• Alcoholism is a disease. Never feel ashamed for getting help.

Call Community Health Net to schedule an appointment with a provider today: (814) 455-7222. Or visit www.communityhealthnet.org for more information.

Our health information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist the public to learn more about their health. Community Health Net providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.