April is National Alcohol Awareness Month. There are approximately 95,000 alcohol-related deaths in the United States each year. 14 million US adults struggle with alcohol use or substance use disorders. Another 414,000 US teens struggle as well.
Here in Los Alamos, nearly 29% of our high school students report current alcohol use. That’s around 325 kids reporting consuming alcohol in the past 30 days.
Fortunately, this use is down from over 41% in 2009. Unfortunately, that’s up from 22% in 2017. A
Alcohol has a history of being included in social gatherings since the Manhattan Project, and that history continues today through many of our fine local establishments. While many can enjoy a drink or two with friends, others in our community struggle to maintain sobriety and prevent alcohol abuse.
Los Alamos Family Council endeavors to support those struggling with alcohol and substance abuse disorders. In addition to individual therapy, we offer two sobriety group therapy sessions weekly as part of our Intensive Outpatient Program. Clients are provided education on the effects of alcohol and other substances, learn how to identify and avoid high-risk situations, learn skills to cope with stress and other triggers that may lead to abusive drinking, and how to connect with others for support when needed.
If you, or someone you care about, is struggling with substance abuse, Los Alamos Family Council is here to help.