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Updates
We were nominated as one of The Times Best of the Region in the category of Mental Health Counseling! As a whole, we would like to thank everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to vote for us. The support has been amazing!
Winners will be announced in May and we cannot wait to see the results! Again, thank YOU for taking part in each step that allows us to better care for the individuals who walk through our doors. We would not be here without you all!
April is Alcohol Awareness Month
Alcohol is consumed by millions of Americans each year, sometimes in amounts or situations that can be dangerous to the individual’s mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Knowing some of the key signs to look for can help you or someone you know get appropriate care and begin their journey to sobriety.
The signs of Alcohol
Dependence
- Taking alcohol in larger amounts or drinking for longer than you intended to
- Wanting to cut down or stop using alcohol but not managing to
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from use of alcohol
- Cravings and urges to use alcohol
- Not managing to meet commitments at work, home, or school
- Continuing to use alcohol, even when it causes problems with family or friends
- Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities in favor of alcohol use
- Getting into dangerous situations while under the influence of alcohol, e.g., driving under the influence, using machinery, or having unsafe sex
- Continued alcohol consumption, even when you know it is making a physical or psychological problem worse
- Having to drink increasing amounts of alcohol to get the effect you want
- Development of alcohol withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
Long-Term Damage:
- Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety
- Permanent brain damage
- Liver cirrhosis or liver failure
- Chronic pancreatitis
- High blood pressure
- Psoriasis
- Neurological impairment such as nerve damage
- Hand tremors
- Compromised immune system
- Sexual performance issues such as erectile dysfunction
- Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies
- Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
- Accidental injuries, e.g., car accidents and falls
- Intentionally hurting oneself or others
- Cancer of the mouth and esophagus
But good news! Your health can improve once you quit
What one month without drinking alcohol can do for your physical health:
The benefits are great, but speak to a professional before you quit alcohol! They can assess you and ensure your detox is as safe as possible, while also discussing the options that exist for you. Heartland offers assessments done by professionals to ensure you are receiving the appropriate level of care.
With purpose and passion,
