Alcohol Awareness Month

Conditions

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and during this time, Valley Oaks Health is bringing awareness and erasing stigma around alcohol use disorder (AUD).

There are many statistics that show the cost of alcohol misuse:

According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 14 million American adults suffered from AUD.
Alcohol-related deaths took an estimated 95,000 lives, making alcohol the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States.
In 2010, alcohol misuse cost the United States almost $250 billion.

But the stories of individuals experiencing AUD and loving those that misuse alcohol are the true impact of this disease. If you or someone you love may be experiencing AUD, these are the signs and symptoms, causes, and options for treatment.

Signs and symptoms

Warning signs that intervention may be needed include:

Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink
Wanting to cut down on alcohol consumption but being unsuccessful
Spending a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol, or recovering from alcohol use
Experiencing strong urges to drink
Giving up on activities and hobbies
Continuing to drink even when it causes physical, social, or interpersonal problems
Using alcohol in situations where it’s not safe, such as when driving
Developing a high tolerance to alcohol
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, and shaking

Causes

AUD does not discriminate. Anyone at any age can develop addictive behaviors. Those at higher risk include those who:

Drink regularly for extended periods of time or go through binging periods
Start drinking at an early age
Have a family history of alcoholism
Suffer from other mental health conditions
Have a history of trauma

Treatment

There is hope and treatment available to those experiencing AUD. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, dial 9-1-1. If you are looking for long-term care and a path toward recovery, reach out to Valley Oaks Health today.

March 28, 2021

Perfectionism: Understanding the Hidden Mental Health Risk

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Conditions

Perfectionism is often seen as a positive trait that pushes us to achieve and excel. But when the pursuit of perfection becomes an obsession, it can have serious consequences for mental health. Perfectionism can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and a sense of inadequacy that’s hard to shake.

Beyond Physicals: How Regular Checkups Aid Mental Wellness

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Treatment

When we think of health screenings, we often consider them solely as a tool for catching physical illnesses early. However, regular checkups also play a significant role in supporting mental wellbeing. Beyond helping prevent and manage physical health conditions, screenings can reduce anxiety, provide peace of mind, and encourage a proactive approach to health that benefits both mind and body.

From Imposter Syndrome to Confidence: Overcoming Self-Doubt

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Self-Care

Have you ever felt like a fraud, worried that your achievements are just luck, and feared that others will eventually discover you’re not as competent as they think? If so, you’re not alone.

Perfectionism: Understanding the Hidden Mental Health Risk

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Conditions

Beyond Physicals: How Regular Checkups Aid Mental Wellness

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Treatment

From Imposter Syndrome to Confidence: Overcoming Self-Doubt

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Self-Care

Have you ever felt like a fraud, worried that your achievements are just luck, and feared that others will eventually discover you’re not as competent as they think? If so, you’re not alone.

Your Body’s Warning Signals: When Physical Symptoms Indicate Mental Health Issues

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Self-Care

It’s easy to overlook physical symptoms when thinking about mental health. We often associate mental health with emotions or thoughts rather than the aches, pains, or discomforts that show up in the body. But the mind and body are linked, leading physical symptoms to sometimes be early indicators of underlying mental health issues.