Children with parents that talk to them about alcohol abuse consume alcohol less
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, recognizes Alcohol Awareness Month and joins the national campaign to raise awareness of the critical public health issue of alcoholism and its impact on young people, families and communities.
Alcohol Awareness Month offers concerned community organizations, like OKCIC, an opportunity to work to raise awareness and understanding about the negative consequences of alcohol use. This month also highlights the need for local action, and services focused on prevention, treatment and recovery.
In addition to this rising concern, research indicates that alcohol use during the teenage years may interfere with adolescent brain development. This is why it is important for parents to know it is never too early to address underage drinking. Research shows that kids who learn about the dangers of underage drinking from their parents are 50 percent less likely to experiment with alcohol than kids who don’t.
“Oklahoma City Indian Clinic understands the importance of educating patients of all ages about the many problems associated with alcohol use and abuse,” Robyn Sunday-Allen said, CEO of OKCIC. “The prevalence of alcohol use is higher in Native Americans, therefore we offer treatment and prevention support services for adults and children.”
Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems, including:
- High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease and digestive problems
- Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver and colon
- Learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor school performance
- Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety
- Social problems, including lost productivity, family problems and unemployment
- Alcohol dependence, or alcoholism
- By not drinking too much, you can reduce the risk of these short- and long-term health risks
If you begin to recognize signs of alcoholism in a loved one, take time to learn about alcoholism through a reputable source and offer support for the person to make positive changes. Oklahoma City’s Alcoholics Anonymous hotline can be reached at (405) 524-1100. Tulsa’s Alcoholics Anonymous hotline can be reached at (918) 627-2224.
About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 18,000 patients from more than 200 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please visit www.okcic.com.