Spring is here, and that means that April is almost upon us. However, April is not just the time for flowers, Easter, and spring cleaning – it’s also Alcohol Awareness Month, a period of time dedicated to awareness of the dangers of alcoholism, among many other things. Here are some tips for how you can celebrate this observance in April.
- Encourage loved ones to seek help. If you know someone who is struggling with sobriety, the best thing you can do is to help them. Do not judge, but recognize that their journey to getting sober may take a while – April is a great time to start!
- Discourage underage drinking. Underage drinking is a common problem in the United States, as many people under the age of 21 are partaking, against the law. You can do your part by discouraging this and never supplying alcohol to minors.
- Never drink and drive! One thing that can never be overstated enough is the importance of having a designated driver. Drinking and driving can have many life-changing and/or deadly consequences, so you must know the dangers and prepare ahead of time always!
- Monitor your own consumption. While alcohol can liven up a party or contribute to a fun night out, it is important to understand the health risks that come with consuming. By setting a benchmark for yourself and knowing your own limit, you can reduce your health risk and the danger you put yourself in.
Of course, April is not the only time to be aware of alcohol and its effects. It’s important to have a healthy respect for alcohol every day of the year, though this month is just the time to learn more and be even more proactive about it. Alcohol is not always a bad thing, but it is important to remember that safety should always come first! *