Radio Smart Talk: Alcohol Awareness

Radio Smart Talk for Monday, April 29:

Did you have an alcoholic drink this weekend? Most Americans did. A Gallup poll conducted late last summer indicates that two-thirds of Americans consume alcohol. Some are what are referred to as social drinkers who drink only on special occasions or very rarely. But others drink a whole lot more. Of the Americans who say they drink, 52% said they had one-to-seven drinks in the seven days before they were polled.

Then there are the problem drinkers or alcoholics.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence defines alcoholism as, “Alcoholism is a primary chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, mostly denial. Each of these symptoms may be continuous or periodic.”

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, sponsored by the NCADD and designed to increase awareness and understanding aimed at reducing the stigma associated with alcoholism that prevents individuals and families from seeking help.

To address the issue on Monday’s Radio Smart Talk will be Deb Beck, President of the Drug and Alcohol Service Providers Organization of Pennsylvania (DASPOP). Ms. Beck is also affiliated with a number of drug and alcohol treatment and prevention organizations and Jennifer Storm, who is recovering from alcohol and drug dependency and author of The Blackout Girl and other books.

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For more information on Alcohol Abuse and to take a self test regarding your alcohol consumption visitNational Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence(NCADD).

For more information onAlcoholics Anonymousclickhere.

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