LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Behavioral Health Services said April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and it’s reaching out to let community members know that help is available for those struggling with addiction.

Alcohol is an extremely powerful, highly-addicting drug. Excessive alcohol consumption increases people’s risk of injuries, violence, liver disease and cancer.

An alcoholic will continue to drink ignoring potential negative consequences such as relationship problems, job loss and/or legal issues.

Knowing there is a stigma attached to being labeled an alcoholic prohibits many individuals from seeking the help they truly need in order to recover.

This month, Alcohol Awareness Month, spotlights the reduction of stigma so often associated with alcohol addiction.

Alcohol addiction is a progressive and chronic disease, and can be fatal if left untreated. However, people can and do recover. It is estimated that nearly 20 million individuals are living successful lives in recovery from alcohol use.

Todd Metcalf, administrator of Lake County Behavioral Health Services, said Alcohol Awareness Month affords the opportunity to heighten understanding and awareness of alcohol addiction, its causes, effective treatment, and above all, recovery.

He said April is the opportunity to reduce stigma and misconceptions of the disease in order to break down the barriers to treatment and recovery.

At Lake County Behavioral Health Services, help is readily available in the form of counseling and therapy for those suffering from this disease, Metcalf said.

For more information, please contact Lake County Behavioral Health Services at either of our two locations:

– 7000B South Center Drive, Clearlake, telephone 707-994-7090;
– 6302 13th Ave., Lucerne, telephone 707-274-9101.