OM Times Magazine – April 2012 – Editorial – Alcohol Awareness

April is Alcohol Awareness Month.

We would like dedicate this month and space bringing awareness about alcohol abuse – the impact and ripple effect it has on our entire society. No doubt, most of us have had a wee bit more than our body would have preferred and woke up to vampire like sunlight and vile stench not clearly identifiable. Perhaps we can identify with the rebel whose parental control was met with rebellious and often poor decisions as soon as the dog collar was removed. Exploration is normal and this is not about judgment, it’s about learning the process as early as possible so self control can be gained and true happiness acquired.

The Numbers

Alcohol abuse kills some 75,000 Americans each year and shortens the lives of these people by an average of 30 years, a U.S. government study suggested Thursday.

Excessive alcohol consumption is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States after tobacco use and poor eating and exercise habits.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which published the study, estimated that 34,833 people in 2001 died from cirrhosis of the liver, cancer and other diseases linked to drinking too much beer, wine and spirits.

Another 40,933 died from car crashes and other mishaps caused by excessive alcohol use. [1]

For those who are unable to moderate drinking, the chance for alcoholism and increased risk for serious health problems, including liver disease and liver failure, pancreatitis, many forms of cancer and a severe nutritional deficiency of thiamine, which can lead to brain disease. Individuals who abuse or depend on alcohol should stop drinking and consult with a physician to check on their current health status. [2]

Not only is alcohol abuse and alcoholism a problem for adults, it’s also infiltrated our youth and the numbers are staggering. It’s not surprising on some level as our fast paced world appears to lend itself to stress and traumas. When there is no guidance for how to appropriately deal with “life” some will turn to alcohol or other drug for temporary relief from emotional, mental or physical pain.

Additionally, often the intoxicated driver suffers minor injuries, while the victims hit are not so lucky. With all things let there be moderation! I don’t think the fermented fruit is of the “devil” but I do think that when intoxicated thing tend to get out of control very quickly and there is usually a long line of collateral damage of people & property. This April –consider the pain this disease or obsession has inflicted upon society and commit to being part of healing process.

[ 1 ] : national@ncadd.org
[2] : http://www.livestrong.com/article/118317-diseases-related-alcoholism/#ixzz1pcWFLK1o

Read more: Alcohol Related Diseases | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_4779667_alcohol-related-diseases.html#ixzz1pcVCZdGh