BRENTWOOD, Tenn., May 24, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Ahead of the
holiday, American Addiction Centers (NYSE: AAC) reminds people to
keep their sober friends in mind during their weekend gatherings.
Memorial Day weekend is usually considered the unofficial start of
summer with the arrival of sunny, warm weather. This typically
coincides with an increase in alcohol consumption, which can be
difficult for those in recovery.
Over the extended weekend, more than 25% of Americans will binge
drink, which is defined as five or more drinks for men and four or
more drinks for women within a two hour period. Memorial Day is one
of the top 10 holidays with the most alcohol consumption and ranks
second in beer consumption. During Memorial Day weekend, over
$1 billion will be spent on beer
alone.
During the many festivities that will happen over the weekend,
it's not uncommon for friends or family to offer a drink to someone
in recovery. Many hold the misconception that one slight deviation
will not affect their progress thus far, but the action may be the
trigger that leads them on a downward spiral.
"With it being Memorial Day weekend, some individuals in
recovery may be placed in situations that challenge their
sobriety," said Dr. Lawrence
Weinstein, chief medical officer at American Addiction
Centers. "Those in recovery may not want to avoid gatherings, as
being around friends and family can be very beneficial for
sobriety, so it's important to keep in mind the struggles others
might have with alcohol addiction."
For those who may be in a situation in which their sobriety is
tested, the following are a few tips to help cope:
- Maintain a schedule - create a schedule and stick to it.
Adherence to your schedule will greatly help prevent a slip.
- Have an escape plan - keep a plan in place to remove yourself
from an environment that is challenging or difficult.
- Assert yourself - don't be afraid to refuse a drink. More
likely than not, the attendees will know about your sobriety, but
for those that don't, don't be afraid to say no.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use, please
call 1-800-Alcohol to find help.
About American Addiction Centers
American Addiction
Centers (NYSE: AAC) is a leading provider of inpatient and
outpatient substance abuse treatment services. We treat clients who
are struggling with drug addiction, alcohol addiction and
co-occurring mental/behavioral health issues. We currently operate
substance abuse treatment facilities located throughout
the United States. These
facilities are focused on delivering effective clinical care and
treatment solutions. For more information, please find us at
AmericanAddictionCenters.org or follow us on Twitter
@AAC_Tweet.
CONTACT: Joy Sutton,
jsutton@contactaac.com
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SOURCE American Addiction Centers