This month is a good time to become knowledgeable about alcohol use disorder, alcohol’s effects on health, and how to seek treatment for yourself or a loved one. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), almost 29 million Americans have an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition where the person who uses alcohol cannot stop or control their drinking despite negative consequences in their work life, social life, or health. If alcohol is impacting your friendships, marriage, health, or job, it’s a good time to think about addressing your relationship with alcohol.
Talk to children and teens about alcohol use. Alcohol isn’t only a problem for adults, more than 750,000 adolescents have an alcohol use disorder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has resources to help you talk to your children about alcohol. “Talk. They Hear You.” Parent & Caregiver Resources | SAMHSA
Alcohol is linked to a variety of health conditions, including cancers, liver disease, sleep disorders, depression, stroke, and heart disease. The good news is that there are many treatments for AUD, including medication treatment, self-help groups, and behavior therapies. Our employee assistance program, Lyra Health, offers treatment for alcohol use disorder and other substance use disorders. See this flyer regarding the Lyra Renew program. members and dependents covered under the Health and Welfare Plan are eligible for 8 free sessions of coaching and therapy per plan year at no cost; after that a $15 copayment applies. Contact Lyra at 844-926-2482 or click on Lyra Health. You can also obtain outpatient substance use services through Blue Cross Blue Shield in-network providers with a $15 copayment. Click here for information about in-network substance use outpatient programs.For more information, contact Blue Cross Blue Shield at 888-389-7764 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the best-known groups based on mutual support for people who think they have a drinking problem. AA is free, meetings are held locally and virtually, you can sit and listen to learn more about recovery, or you can share, it is up to you. For more information, see this link: Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous.
