By PHIL MONTENEGRO
Special to the Eagle Times
CLAREMONT — With the onset of spring, communities are again reaching out to educate the public about alcoholism.
April is National Alcohol Awareness Month.
Founded in 1987 by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Alcohol Awareness Month is used to clear misconceptions related to alcohol abuse and show where those in need can receive treatment.
This year’s theme, “Changing Attitudes: It’s not a ‘rite of passage,’” focuses on the negative effects of alcohol on youths and what parents can do to prevent abusive consumption in their families.
The theme highlights the common fallacy, believed by many parents and adults, that adolescent drinking as simply a “rite of passage” or passing phase. The national council encourages parents and adult role models to talk with adolescents in their lives about the dangers tied to excessive drinking.
“Children who have conversations with their parents and learn a lot about the dangers of alcohol and drug use are 50 percent less likely to use these substances than those who don’t have such conversations,” reports the national council.
A pivotal facet of Alcohol Awareness Month was Alcohol-Free Weekend from March 30 through April 1, created to raise public awareness about the use of alcohol and how it may be affecting individuals, families, and the community.
For 72 hours, the national council invited all Americans, regardless of age, to participate in three consecutive alcohol-free days. This year, the purpose was to show youths that being independent, sociable and “cool” does not require alcohol.
Many in the Upper Valley are helping to broaden understanding about alcoholism, as well as provide services.
Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont hosts meetings for various community organizations including Alcoholics Anonymous.
Robin Caissie, senior director of Development and Community Engagement at the hospital, discussed the hospitals initiative of a monthly wellness program with concentrations on alcohol and drug abuse.
“Alcohol (and drug use) is extremely dangerous,” said Anna Smith, chief of marketing and corporate communications at Springfield Hospital and Medical Care Systems in Springfield, Vt. “Increased communication, particularly with youth, about the danger of alcohol misuse is something every parent can do to raise awareness and increase prevention efforts.”
Springfield Hospital and Medical Care Systems embraces the medical home model of care, encouraging patients who have any medical or behavioral health issue to first speak with their primary care provider, who will help them develop the most appropriate plan of action.
The hospital’s health system integrates behavioral health specialists in each of their primary care practices, helping to reduce barriers to care.
The Windham Center for Psychiatric Care is a 10-bed inpatient facility, located at the Health Center at Bellows Falls, Vt. that offers inpatient treatment for those with co-occurring disorders, including alcohol or substance misuse.
The center also offers outpatient counseling and work in collaboration with the local designated agency, Health Care and Rehabilitation Services, and Turning Point Recovery Center to help patients and families on the road to recovery. The Springfield community has a subcommittee of project ACTION, the Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Committee,” that is working to raise awareness and reduce stigma around substance misuse and treatment.
Psychologist and substance abuse counselor Dr. Richard Root, founding member of Twin State Psychological Services working in Springfield, Vt. and Claremont, partners with Valley Regional and Springfield Hospital to provide treatment and care for those suffering from substance use and psychological disorders.
Root works with patients referred by primary care providers, other community professional and family members to diagnose a patient’s addiction problem.
“The greatest danger,” said Root, “is becoming dependent on alcohol or any drug as a stress-reliever. Adults and adolescents should be conscious of the amount of alcohol they’re drinking on a regular basis.”
For men, more than two drinks a night is potentially hazardous, while for women, more than one drink can lead to greater health issues.
“What’s important is finding another means to stress-relief,” said Root, “such as meditation, exercise or through other creative outlets.”
Alcoholics Anonymous is not affiliated directly with National Alcohol Awareness Month. However, the program does provide public information for professional communities, schools, hospitals, legal firms and others.
New Hampshire Alcoholics Anonymous, based in Hooksett, holds meetings throughout the state.
This March, the organization held its conference for Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous in Laconia, gathering members as a means to share their experience and help others to recover from alcoholism.
“Prevention is an important component that benefits from a community-wide effort,” said Anna Smith of Springfield Hospital and Medical Care Systems.
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