The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence sponsors Alcohol Awareness Month in April to raise awareness while encouraging healthy and safe choices when it comes to the use of alcohol.
Drinking too much alcohol increases one’s risk of injuries, violence, drowning, liver disease and some types of cancer.
This year, during Alcohol Awareness Month, the Stuttgart Army Substance Abuse Program encourages you to educate yourself and your loved ones about the dangers of drinking too much.
Here are some low-risk guidelines facts and tips to help you:
What is your risk level?
0 — Zero quantity and zero frequency, people who abstain will experience no alcohol- related problems.
1 — Having more than one drink in one hour
increases risk for injuries and other im pairment problems.
2 — Health problems are more common for people who average more than two drinks per day.
3 — Research shows that people who consume more than three drinks on any given day are more likely to experience some alco- hol-related impairment or health problem.
Helpful tips
• Eat before and while drinking.
• Refrain from drinking when you are upset.
• Alternate between alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
• Keep track of how much you drink.
• Avoid places where people drink a lot.
• Remember the word “halt,” don’t drink if you are Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired.
• Before you celebrate … designate. Identify a designated driver or use public transportation.
• Make a list of personal reasons why low- risk drinking choices are best for you and follow it.
If you are concerned about your drinking or someone else’s drinking, seek help by calling the USAG Stuttgart ASAP office at 431-2530/07031-15-2530.