Raise Your Awareness About Alcohol With These Resources

illustrations of beer bottle and glass, wine bottle and glass, liquor bottle and glass

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise your awareness about alcohol misuse, the possible causes and how to prevent it.

Whether you’re thinking about reducing your alcohol use or abstaining altogether, resources are available to raise your awareness, help you (or loved ones) change your relationship with alcohol, and support your mental and emotional well-being.

Reducing or abstaining from alcohol

Whether you or a loved one is looking to reduce alcohol use or abstain altogether, programs and resources are available this month and year-around.

Anyone wanting help with cutting back on drinking alcohol or quitting altogether can get free, confidential health education and one-on-one counseling through the Alcohol Management Program. Participation is private and is never shared with your supervisor or insurance company.
This article from Forbes Health looks at gray area drinking, who might be at risk and what you can do about it.
Making a small change, like keeping track of your alcohol use (on an app like Saying When), setting limits or drinking water in between alcoholic drinks, can make a big difference.
The MHealthy Portal includes the self-guided Path to Wellness: Substance Abuse program focused on alcohol or other drug use. Available to benefits-eligible faculty, staff and their U-M health plan enrolled spouses/OQAs.
The confidential health questionnaire on the MHealthy Portal can help you identify what well-being areas are thriving and which may need attention, including whether alcohol could be a concern. Active, benefits-eligible faculty and staff who complete the health questionnaire and set a healthy goal on the portal by May 31, 2024, will also earn a $75 reward.

Coping with feelings that may contribute to alcohol misuse

Feeling stress, burned out or anxiety can all be reasons why someone turns to alcohol. Instead of using alcohol to cope, resources are available to help with how you’re feeling.