The last few years have taken a toll on all of us. One less obvious effect is an increase in alcohol use.

According to the American Addictions Center, more than 75 million in the U.S. fall in the category of “gray area drinking.” This murky zone with fuzzy boundaries sits somewhere between moderate drinking and severe alcohol use.

April is recognized as National Alcohol Awareness Month. Now is a good time to raise your awareness about alcohol misuse, the possible causes and how to prevent it.

Reducing or abstaining from alcohol

Whether you or a loved one is looking to reduce alcohol use or abstain altogether, programs and resources are available this month and year-around.

• Anyone wanting help with cutting back on drinking alcohol or quitting altogether can get free, confidential health education and one-on-one counseling through the Alcohol Management Program. Participation is private and is never shared with your supervisor or insurance company.

• This article from Psychology Today looks at gray area drinking, the toll pandemic drinking has taken on us and what you can do about it.

• Making a small change, like keeping track of your alcohol use (on an app like Saying When), setting limits or drinking water in between alcoholic drinks, can make a big difference.

• The MHealthy Portal includes the self-guided Path to Wellness: Substance Abuse program focused on alcohol or other drug use. Available to benefits-eligible faculty, staff and their U-M health plan enrolled spouses/OQAs.

• The confidential health questionnaire on the MHealthy Portal can help you identify what well-being areas are thriving and which may need attention, including whether alcohol could be a concern. The HQ is available to active, benefits-eligible faculty and staff through May 31, 2023. 

Coping with feelings that may contribute to alcohol misuse

Feeling stress, burned out or anxiety can all be reasons why someone turns to alcohol. Instead of using alcohol to cope, resources are available to help with how you’re feeling.

• Free and confidential counseling services, as well as support groups and workshops for mental and emotional wellness are always available to you through the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO) and the Michigan Medicine Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience.

• All U-M health plans cover mental and behavioral health services like counseling, therapy and substance abuse treatment.

Find more information and resources focused on alcohol awareness on the MHealthy website.