As April unfolds, it brings a significant opportunity for reflection and action. While for many it may signify the onset of spring, for us at WakeUp Carolina, it marks Alcohol Awareness Month—a time to shed light on the pervasive impact of alcohol on individuals, families, and communities, especially within the context of recovery.

Alcohol, despite its well-documented dangers, continues to hold a unique place in our society. It’s readily available, deeply ingrained in social rituals, and often glamorized in media and advertising. Its ubiquity makes it all too easy to underestimate its harm, particularly within the recovery community.

At WakeUp Carolina, we confront this reality head-on. In the times of Fentanyl, alcohol consumption is widely acceptable by communities because of the death toll from opioids. We understand that for those on the path to recovery, navigating a world where alcohol is not just prevalent but socially acceptable can be immensely challenging. The substance they seek to distance themselves from is often glorified and normalized in everyday life.

This normalization of alcohol consumption can create a myriad of triggers and temptations for individuals in recovery. From casual social gatherings to celebratory events, alcohol often takes center stage, making it difficult for those in recovery to maintain their sobriety. The pressure to partake can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of isolation and vulnerability.

Moreover, the underestimation of alcohol’s harm can perpetuate dangerous misconceptions within the recovery community itself. Some may downplay the severity of their past struggles or underestimate the potential for relapse, believing they can safely reintegrate alcohol into their lives. This false sense of security can derail progress and undermine the hard-won victories of recovery.

With the opiate crisis moving throughout the state, we see a lot of cross-addiction tied to alcohol use. A cross-addiction, also called a substitute addiction or addiction transfer, is simply an addiction that develops as a replacement for another. It can transfer from one substance to another. What we see the most with our work with individuals who struggle with cross-addiction is the choice of alcohol. It’s easy for most to understand that substances like opiates and crack/cocaine are dangerous and can result in negative consequences. In comparison, alcohol can look like a safer option for individuals who have used some of these “harder” drugs. We’ve seen many relapse into alcohol only to eventually drink into complete oblivion or return to their drug of choice.

Our mission is to challenge these misconceptions and advocate for a more nuanced understanding of alcohol’s impact. We strive to create a supportive community where individuals feel empowered to confront the realities of alcohol addiction and prioritize their well-being above societal expectations.

This Alcohol Awareness Month, we urge everyone to join us in raising awareness and fostering empathy for those affected by alcohol. Let us not turn a blind eye to the pervasive influence of alcohol in our lives but instead, work together to create a culture of understanding and support for those on the journey to recovery.

Together, we can break down the barriers of stigma and ignorance surrounding alcohol addiction, and pave the way for a brighter, sober future. Join us in waking up to the realities of alcohol’s harm and standing in solidarity with those bravely navigating the path to recovery.