From Silence to Strength: Building Resilience in Alcohol Awareness Month

Written By Rebecka Green

By Rebecka Green, LCSW, LCADC, EMDR therapist ACS, CCS

A Time for Awareness and Action

Every April, we recognize Alcohol Awareness Month as a time to reflect on the role alcohol plays in our lives and communities, and more importantly, how we can foster resilience in the face of challenges and make choices that allow us to truly thrive.

The Hidden Impact of Alcohol Misuse

Alcohol misuse affects millions of individuals and families across the country. Alcohol misuse is more common than many realize; it’s a silent struggle for many, often hidden behind social norms, stress, or even celebration. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 134.7 million people aged 12 or older reported current alcohol use in 2023, and 61.4 million people aged 12 and older reported binge drinking in the past month.

More alarming is the impact alcohol has on mortality:  Between 2020 and 2021, alcohol was a factor in about 178,000 deaths in the U.S., making it one of the leading preventable causes of death.

Recovery is Possible and is Rooted in Resilience 

 Resilience, the ability to adapt, recover, and grow stronger in the face of adversity, is at the heart of prevention and recovery. It allows people to keep going and find the strength to face hardships, setbacks, or trauma without using harmful coping skills. It means recognizing when alcohol is being used to numb pain, and instead being inspired to tackle challenges head-on with courage. It allows people to speak up, seek support, and choose healing.

Resilience doesn’t mean having it all together; it means having the courage to keep going, even when it’s hard, and ask for help. Recovery isn’t linear, but every step forward is a victory and a sign that the person has chosen not to survive, but to thrive!

The Power of Awareness 

Awareness is the first step toward change. When we shine a light on the realities of alcohol use and its impact, we empower ourselves and others to make informed, healthy decisions.

This month, let’s remember that choosing a life free from alcohol isn't about limitation, it's about liberation. It’s about building healthy routines, relationships, and environments that allow us to thrive. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply reflecting on your relationship with alcohol, you deserve a life filled with clarity, connection, purpose, and joy.

Need Counseling? We can help.

At Resilience to Thrive, supporting people and families affected by alcohol misuse is our passion and specialty. Our therapists bring over ten years of dedicated experience helping individuals navigate alcohol use challenges and disorders, as well as other substance‑use concerns. We also provide compassionate care and guidance for the loved ones who walk alongside them, because healing happens best when no one faces it alone.

Resources

Looking for peer support? Check out the following mutual help groups that support people and their families struggling with alcohol use and misuse.

References:

  • National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2023). Alcohol facts and statistics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from

    https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, November 15). Excessive alcohol use is a leading cause of preventable death. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/features/excessive-alcohol-deaths.html

  • Kelly, J. F., Bergman, B. G., Hoeppner, B. B., & Vilsaint, C. L. (2017). Recovery from alcohol use disorder: A national study of individuals in recovery from alcohol and other drug problems. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 181, 162–169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.09.028

Rebecka Green
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