April is Alcohol Awareness Month

Facts

Alcohol is a drug—a depressant that slows brain activity.
Alcohol abuse, misuse, and addiction affects the entire family.
Addiction is a chronic, progressive disease.
Millions of Americans and their families are in healthy recovery from this disease.
Alcohol and other drug addiction is preventable and highly treatable.

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?

Source: SAMSHA, How to Cut Down on Your Drinking

Standard Drink Conversion

One (1) Standard Drink is equal to:

BEER (5% alc.)
MALT LIQUOR (7% alc.)
WINE (12-17% alc.)
HARD LIQUOR (80 proof / 40% alc.)

At-Risk Drinking Levels

12 oz. 8.5 oz. 5 oz. 3.5 oz. 2.5 oz. 1.5 oz. 1.5 oz.

MEN: WOMEN: OVER 65:

More than 4 drinks per day or more than 14 drinks per week
More than 3 drinks per day or more than 7 drinks per week

More than 1 drink per day
Source: Natl. Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

What can you do?

RECOGNIZE the warning signs
KNOW where to go for help
SEEK TREATMENT if you or someone you know needs help

Help is Available

for confidential help contact:

The NH Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services

1-800-804-0909 or 603-271-6110

Websites / Resources

Drug Free New Hampshire: www.drugfreeNH.org
Rethinking Drinking—Alcohol & Your Health: www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov
NH Chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous: www.nhaa.net
Al-Anon/Alateen: www.al-anon.alateen.org/
Friends of Recovery NH: www.recoverynh.com/
NH Resource Guide for Prevention & Treatment Services: http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcbcs/bdas/guide.htm

Fore free informational resources in New Hampshire call:
NH Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Clearinghouse and Lending Library 800-804-0909 (press 2) or 603-271-2677