Know the signs - alcohol abuse, overdrinking

JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, D.C. -- Drinking too much alcohol can lead to health problems, including alcohol poisoning, hangovers, and an increased risk of heart disease. This April, during Alcohol Awareness Month, the 579th Medical Group encourages you to take this time to educate yourself and your loved ones about the dangers of alcohol abuse. The 579th MDG, collectively with other organizations across the country, are actively engaging in alcohol abuse prevention programs in the community.

Alcohol Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness of alcohol abuse and encourage people to make healthy, safe choices. If you are drinking too much, you can improve your health by cutting back or quitting. Additionally, it can be helpful to keep track of the amount you drink, avoid places where overdrinking occurs, and find new ways to deal with stress. Also, if you are concerned about someone else's drinking, offer to help. As part of the April outreach program, the list below highlights some alcohol abuse warning signs that may indicate possible signs of abuse:

Warning Signs of Alcohol Abuse

If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, you may have a problem with alcohol:

- Do you drink alone when you feel angry or sad?

- Does your drinking ever make you late for work?

- Does your drinking worry your family?

- Do you ever drink after telling yourself you won't?

- Do you ever forget what you did while drinking?

- Do you get headaches or have a hangover after drinking?

Strategies to Cut Back or Quit Drinking

There are many strategies you can try to cut back or quit drinking. To get started:

- Keep track of your drinking and set a drinking limit.

- Try to avoid places where heavy drinking occurs.

- Ask for help from a doctor, family or friends.

- If you keep alcohol in your home, keep only a limited supply.

Please help our community make responsible choices surrounding alcohol use. Anonymous alcohol use self-assessments are available online at www.Drinking IQ.org. Also, as a reminder there are local JBAB resources available to provide education and prevention materials to individuals or units. For additional information, visit your local ADAPT clinic or call 202-767-0611.