Dear Readers,
April is a time to honor Alcohol Awareness Month
Alcohol Awareness Month started in April of 1987 as a way to draw attention to the causes and deleterious effects of alcoholism to help individuals, families, and communities deal with problematic drinking. One of the biggest endeavors of Alcohol Awareness Month is to reduce the stigma that continues to surround alcohol and other substance abuse in general. Denial is an incredibly common trait among those struggling with alcoholism, for those that love the ones who struggle.
Alcoholism in the United States
A few stats on the prevalence of alcohol abuse & addiction in the U.S.:
- In a study conducted in 2018, an estimated 14.4 million American ages 18+ met criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder according to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5th Edition)
- Across the nation, 26.45% of individuals 18+ reported engaging in binge drinking in the past 30 days (~4 drinks/women & ~drinks/men in a 2-hour time span)
- 6.6% engaged in heavy alcohol use defined as “binge drinking on 5 or more days in the past month”
- Yearly, an estimated 88,000 people die from alcohol related causes (i.e., alcohol impaired driving fatalities; alcoholic liver disease; Korsakoff Syndrome, etc.)
What does this mean?
These numbers tell us that alcohol use and abuse continue to impact our society, and addiction awareness is necessary in order to protect ourselves and those we love. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, please know that treatment is available and recovery is possible. The first step in creating change is to reduce the stigma, and acknowledge an unhealthy relationship to alcohol.
It’s okay to seek help!
Below are some useful resources for yourself or someone you love that is struggling with alcohol use:
1. “Two Pillars of Recovery” Workbook
“The Two Pillars of Recovery” workbook by Dr. Geoff Kane centers on two key actions for achieving lasting sobriety: “Keep your distance” from addictive substances and triggers, and “Ask for help” by seeking support from others. These principles, derived from Kane’s extensive experience in addiction treatment, are based on practical wisdom and neurobiological insights. The workbook provides exercises and strategies to help individuals avoid relapse and build positive relationships, essential for overcoming addiction and maintaining recovery
2. “The Wisdom to Know the Difference” Workbook
“The Wisdom to Know the Difference” by Kelly G. Wilson, PhD, and Troy DuFrene is a workbook that uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help individuals overcome substance abuse. It emphasizes accepting unchangeable aspects of one’s past and committing to positive actions based on personal values. The book provides practical exercises to support recovery and can be used alongside 12-step programs. By focusing on mindfulness and value-driven living, it aims to aid readers in achieving long-term sobriety and building a fulfilling life free from addiction
3. Sober Support Networks
- AA (Alcoholic Anonymous)
- SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training)
- Recovery Dharma
4. Support Networks for Friends/Family:
- Al-Anon & Alateen
- SMART Recovery Family and Friends
- Broken No More
5. Specialized Intensive Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
- Center for Motivation and Change
- BlueCrest Recovery Center
- Essex Health and Wellness Recovery Center
6. Individual Psychotherapy
Individual psychotherapy can help with overcoming alcohol abuse by addressing the underlying psychological issues that lead to alcohol abuse, teaching coping strategies for recovery, and replacing unhealthy behavior patterns with positive behaviors. Techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can aid in managing stress and triggers, fostering personal growth, and committing to sobriety, ultimately empowering individuals to achieve long-term recovery.
Contact me for support!
If you or someone you know could benefit from a personalized, comprehensive, evidence-based psychotherapy for alcohol or other substance use related disorders, please reach out to me at [email protected], 973-233-5433, or visit my website at www.DrAmandaAster.com. You are not alone and recovery is possible!
Fellow Mental Health Professionals: Let’s Collab!
As an aside from this month’s important content, I am deeply passionate about mental health and working with fellow professionals to provide resources and support to our community. If you are a mental health or healthcare practitioner and are interested in collaborating with me on social media content, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. Thanks!
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*Peace, Love, & Fierce Acceptance*
Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D.
(She/Her/Hers)
NJ Licensed Psychologist #5888, Private Practice, Montclair, NJ
Adjunct Professor, Kean University, Department of Advanced Studies in Psychology
Manager, New York City Chapter of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
Board Member, Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris