Canaan, CT – This April, Mountainside treatment center joins the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) in offering hope to those suffering from alcoholism. Mountainside is committed to providing individuals, families, and communities in Connecticut and beyond with the resources to overcome the stigma of addiction and fulfill their recovery goals.
Addiction treatment services are critical for the 17.6 million adults across the United States who struggle with alcohol use disorders. In Connecticut, those with a history of problematic drinking may similarly benefit from evidence-based wellness practices and clinical treatment. A 2018 survey of Connecticut residents found that nearly 15 percent of women and 20 percent of men admitted to drinking excessively. These populations face an increased risk of sustaining alcohol-related injuries and developing chronic illnesses, such as cancer, liver disease, and alcoholism.
Despite these troubling statistics, sobriety is attainable for those who choose to reach out for support. According to the NCADD, nearly 20 million Americans and their family members have achieved long-term recovery, making this year’s Alcohol Awareness Month theme – “Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow” – all the more emotionally impactful.
Alcohol Awareness Month primarily aims to reduce the sense of stigma surrounding addiction that discourages many from seeking the care they need. Because alcohol dependence is a lifelong condition, the campaign’s goals also resonate with those who are flourishing in sobriety. Many proud members of the recovery community still have moments where they are uncertain how to explain to others that they have left drinking in the past.
“Sober people should confidently tell others how recovery has made their lives better. I don’t think that they need to get bogged down in the details of how alcohol negatively impacted their lives, but they can express the idea of hope in recovery,” says Amy Sedgwick, Director of Clinical Operations at Mountainside. “They can mention how long they’ve been sober or add in a fun fact about their sobriety. The point is we never know who our message of recovery is personally helping. And we should share that message and share it without shame.”