Rural Health, Inc. Joins National Observance of Alcohol Awareness Month to Combat Stigma and Support Southern Illinois Recovery

Alcohol is the most used drug in the U.S., with roughly 29.8 million individuals suffering from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD); this according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. For many, the resulting stigma of AUD can often be as detrimental as the disorder itself. This April, Rural Health, Inc. (RHI) joins healthcare providers nationwide in observance of Alcohol Awareness Month to raise awareness, reduce stigma, offer support, and provide education in an effort to improve health outcomes in Southern Illinois.

Much of the region, from St. Louis south to Southeast Missouri, Western Kentucky, Southern Illinois, and Arkansas and Tennessee, is considered a “hotspot” or high risk area for AUD. According to Rural Health, Inc., this is a growing concern for their providers.

“Alcohol abuse and addiction tend to be higher in rural or underserved areas for a few reasons such as it’s much more accepted culturally and does not tend to have the same stigma as other drugs of abuse,” said Dennis Gade, Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Rural Health, Inc. “It’s generally most often diagnosed in individuals who struggle economically, have a family history of use, begin drinking at an early age, experience trauma, and live with stress.”

AUD, also known as alcoholism or alcohol addiction, is characterized by physical addiction, tolerance, and loss of control. It differs from alcohol abuse in that AUD is a chronic (long-term), often physical, addiction where the person requires alcohol to function. While alcohol abusers may stop, those with AUD face severe withdrawal and inability to control consumption.

Continued chronic abuse can damage the brain, pancreas, and immune system. For all users, alcohol increases their risk of cancer (including breast, liver, and esophageal), heart disease, stroke, and liver cirrhosis.

Signs and symptoms of AUD include cravings, failed attempts to reduce drinking, neglecting obligations at work or home, and continued consumption despite health, social, or dangerous consequences. Behavioral changes often involve high-risk drinking, mood swings, and losing interest in, or reducing, activities due to alcohol.

Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder is available at Rural Health, Inc. in Anna, Dongola, Goreville, Metropolis, and Vienna. For more information on AUD, or to schedule an appointment with a Behavioral Health Provider at Rural Health, Inc. for treatment support, call 618-833-4471 in Anna or visit ruralhealthinc.org for the medical clinic near you.

Rural Health, Inc. (RHI) is a not-for-profit organization serving Johnson, Massac, and Union counties in Illinois, designated by the federal government as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), whose mission is to provide quality services to all patients in need of healthcare while being committed to the overall health and well-being of the underserved.

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