Every April, Alcohol Awareness Month serves as a reminder to reflect on our relationship with alcohol and its effects on our health, relationships, and society. Alcohol is a leading preventable cause of death in the U.S., and its misuse is associated with 200 diseases and injury-related conditions. That’s why assessing your alcohol use is important to help you recognize any signs of misuse and formulate a plan for cutting back if necessary. Households should also understand how alcohol use can impact the family dynamic, take steps to have honest conversations about alcohol use, and if necessary, understand how to intervene.

An Honest Assessment

Honesty is important in any relationship, and it’s no different in your relationship with alcohol. Social drinking is widely accepted in this country and the occasional drink to relax or celebrate doesn’t usually decline into alcoholism. However, drinking several times a week can increase your tolerance to alcohol, lead to a desire to drink more, and create an increased dependence that disrupts your life or creates physical or emotional problems.

If you find yourself craving alcohol more and more, or find it difficult to say “no” to drinking when you know intellectually you’ve had enough, it’s time to answer questions honestly about your relationship with alcohol. A good place to start is with the substance abuse and mental health programs available to Transocean employees, including Optum’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which is accessible to all employees and their family members, even those not covered under a UHC plan. Log on to www.liveandworkwell.com (access code RIG). Your primary health care provider can also refer you to some resources.

Benefits of Reducing or Eliminating Alcohol

Even if you don’t believe your social drinking is declining into alcoholism, there are good health and welfare reasons to reduce alcohol consumption, or quit completely:

• Improved Physical Health – Reducing alcohol consumption lowers the risk of liver disease, heart problems, and certain cancers.
• Better Mental Well-Being – Alcohol can contribute to anxiety and depression; limiting intake may improve mood and mental clarity.
• Enhanced Sleep Quality – Alcohol disrupts sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and lower energy levels.
• Weight Management – Alcoholic beverages often contain empty calories that contribute to weight gain.
• Stronger Relationships – Reducing alcohol can lead to more meaningful social connections and better communication.

Reducing your alcohol intake doesn’t have to be difficult; it just requires you to make deliberate decisions about your alcohol consumption. Here are some manageable tips for cutting back or eliminating alcohol:

• Opt for Non-Alcoholic Alternatives – Many alcohol-free beverages provide a similar social experience, from “near beer” and non-alcoholic wine, to flavored sparkling water or juices. More restaurants and bars now offer creative and tasty “mocktails” that provide an alcohol-free version of alcoholic beverages.
• Set Limits – Decide how many drinks you’ll have in a week and stick to it. If you discover that you lack the discipline or willpower to do this, then it may be time to seek outside help.
• Alternate with Water – Stay hydrated and slow your alcohol intake by drinking water between alcoholic beverages. This can also help you to feel fuller, which can also lead to less alcohol consumption.
• Avoid Triggers – Identify situations or emotions that lead to drinking and find healthier alternatives. Alcohol is a depressant which disrupts your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. It can make you feel less inhibited and more confident, but once that wears off, you’re often left feeling more anxious and depressed. Since alcohol slows down how you process information, it makes it harder to fully get in touch with how you’re really feeling or to assess the consequences of your actions.
• Seek Support – Just as it helps to have a circle of support when losing weight, the same can be true in in your attempts to reduce or eliminate alcohol. Reach out to those friends and family members who you know will offer that support and bolster your resolve. Don’t forget that you can consult with your healthcare provider for additional encouragement and accountability.

Talking to Your Pre-Teen and Teen About Alcohol

Alcohol is the most widely abused substance in the United States among teens, and studies show that experimentation with alcohol can start prior to the teenage years. Binge drinking among youth can be especially harmful. Parents and trusted adults can play a crucial role in shaping the perception of alcohol among young people. Here are some tips for starting the conversation:

• Be Honest and Open – Share factual information about alcohol’s effects and the risks of underage drinking.
• Set Clear Expectations – Establish firm rules about alcohol use and explain the reasons behind them.
• Encourage Questions – Allow your teen to express their thoughts and concerns without judgment.
• Model Responsible Behavior – Demonstrate healthy drinking habits or abstinence in your own life.

If you know someone experiencing problems with alcohol, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is just a phone call away at 1-888-662-HELP (4357). Transocean employees seeking help for their family members can also access assistance through their EAP benefit. Log on to www.liveandworkwell.com (access code RIG).

Recognizing Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is the medical diagnosis for alcoholism and is characterized by an inability to control drinking despite negative consequences. The medical community considers it a brain disorder that can range from mild to severe. A person’s risk for AUD may be higher due to genetics, early alcohol use, trauma, or other mental health conditions. While AUD should be diagnosed by a medical professional, some signs include:

• drinking more or longer than intended.
• failed attempts to cut back or stop.
• neglecting responsibilities due to drinking.
• experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.

If you or someone you know may have AUD, seek professional help. Treatments can include behavioral treatments and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). In some cases medication may be administered. Your healthcare provider can offer guidance and treatment options.

Final Thoughts

Whether you aim to cut back yourself, talk to a loved one about alcohol awareness, or support someone struggling with AUD, Alcohol Awareness Month is an opportunity to reflect, educate, and take positive steps toward healthier habits through heightened awareness and concrete actions.