April is Alcohol Awareness Month Published April 22, 2009 By Capt. Elisha Parkhill 6th Medical Operations Squadron MacDill AFB, Fl -- The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence has designated April 2009 as the 23rd Annual Alcohol Awareness Month. Alcohol Awareness Month began in 1987 in an effort to reach the American public with information about the disease of alcoholism - it is a treatable disease, not a moral weakness and alcoholics are capable of recovery. Alcohol affects every organ in the body. It is a central nervous system depressant that is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver by enzymes; however, the liver can only metabolize a small amount of alcohol at a time, leaving the excess alcohol to circulate throughout the body. The intensity of the effect of alcohol on the body is directly related to the amount consumed. A standard drink is equal to 13.7 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol or: · 12-ounces of beer · 8-ounces of malt liquor · 5-ounces of wine · 1.5-ounces or a "shot" of 80-proof distilled spirits or liquor (e.g., gin, rum, vodka, or whiskey) There is no one definition of moderate drinking, but generally the term is used to describe a lower risk pattern of drinking. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, drinking in moderation is defined as having no more than 1 drink per day for women and no more than 2 drinks per day for men. This definition is referring to the amount consumed on any single day and is not intended as an average over several days. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, binge drinking is defined as a pattern of alcohol consumption that brings the blood alcohol concentration level to 0.08% or above. This pattern of drinking usually corresponds to five or more drinks on a single occasion for men or four or more drinks on a single occasion for women, generally within about two hours. Drinking is a problem if it causes trouble in your relationships, in school, in social activities, or in how you think and feel. If you are concerned that either you or someone in your family might have a drinking problem, consult your personal health care provider. Excessive drinking both in the form of heavy drinking or binge drinking, is associated with numerous health problems, including but not limited to: · Chronic diseases such as liver cirrhosis (damage to liver cells); pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas); various cancers, including liver, mouth, throat, larynx (the voice box), and esophagus; high blood pressure; and psychological disorders · Unintentional injuries, such as motor vehicle traffic crashes, falls, drowning, burns and firearm injuries · Violence, such as child maltreatment, homicide and suicide · Harm to a developing fetus if a woman drinks while pregnant, such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. · Sudden infant death syndrome · Alcohol abuse or dependence Please join the MacDill ADAPT Program and further your education about alcohol. There will be several sites designated for the alcohol screening event where you can gain information on alcohol use. If you have any further questions please contact the ADAPT staff at 813-827-9174. ("This initiate brought to you by the Integrated Delivery System - IDS Team, People Helping People.")