The National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence (NCADD) has designated the month of April as Alcohol Awareness Month. The purpose of this observation is to raise awareness about issues related to alcohol addiction and share helpful resources.
The National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence estimates that there are 14.4 million people over the age of 18 who have alcohol abuse problems. Each year, it is estimated that there are 88,000 deaths due to alcohol abuse. Nationally, over 31 % of driving fatalities are alcohol related.
Many people afflicted with alcohol addiction often do not seek help because they are in denial of having the disease. In other instances, addicts do reach out to family members and loved ones for support; however, they do not know how to provide the assistance that is needed. It is important for all who are affected by alcoholism to know there are many programs available to help with this type of addiction. Information and resources can be found on The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website www.samhsa.gov.
At Flushing Hospital Medical Center, our Psychiatry Department features a Division of Addiction Services where your loved one can receive comprehensive assessments and treatment for alcohol and chemical dependency. These services are offered through our inpatient through Chemical Dependence Unit and our outpatient Reflections Treatment Program. Both services are staffed with highly skilled professionals who understand the process of treating addiction.
If you would like to speak with someone in our program, please call (718) 670-5693 or (718) 670-5540.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.