National Drugs and Alcohol Facts Week

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week takes place March 16th- 22nd.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week’s goal is to dispel myths about drug and alcohol use and to inform teens about the impact and risk of substance abuse as well as addiction.

According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two-thirds of U.S. students have tried alcohol by the 12th grade.

The average age at which children typically experiment with alcohol and drugs is 13 years old.

There are five signs of drug abuse among teens. They include:

Psychological changes such as trouble concentrating, memory issues, and random laughter

Changes in behavior, including bad grades, lack of respect for others, and poor eye contact

Suspicious behavior such as hiding drug paraphernalia, missing cash, or valuables

Health issues, including appetite changes, shakiness, excessive headaches, or frequent illness

Poor personal appearance, such as bad hygiene or bloodshot eyes

There is a lot of misinformation around drugs and alcohol. Many myths have been created and spread through our culture, especially among young people. Here are some myths about drugs and alcohol that have been debunked:

Myth #1- Marijuana addiction isn’t real

Although it is impossible to overdose on marijuana, habitual cannabis use can change the way the body works, create a tolerance, and cause withdrawal symptoms after stopping

Myth #2- It is okay to quit drinking alcohol and start smoking marijuana instead

Switching from one addictive behavior to another is common; however, it creates other addictive cycles

Myth #3- Prescription drugs can’t be addictive if prescribed by my doctor

Even doctor-prescribed drugs can have a tolerance built against them, which eventually causes an addiction. Especially painkillers such as opiates or benzodiazepines

Here are more facts about drugs, alcohol, and addiction:

Alcohol is the most abused substance in the U.S., and the third most common cause of death
Alcohol and drugs are involved in approximately 50% of deaths by suicide and are the cause of death of more than 50% of all violent crimes
80% of all domestic violence abuse reports show a relationship to alcohol or drugs

Although National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is geared toward young people, people of any age are encouraged to participate and educate themselves so that they can make educated choices related to drugs and alcohol.

To learn more about our mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

What is Dry January?

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

New Year’s has come and gone, and we are all trying to stick to the resolutions we made. For some, a common resolution is giving up alcohol.

Heavy social drinking can often be considered binge drinking. Binge drinking is when a man drinks five or more drinks and a woman drinks four or more drinks in one sitting.

This is why many people commit to Dry January, which is when a person gives up drinking alcohol for the entire month.

Dry January has become a very popular New Year’s resolution over the past few years. Recent research indicates that younger Americans are generally drinking less than previous generations. According to a poll released last summer, conducted by the analytics company Gallup, the percentage of Americans who said they drink fell to a record low of 54%. This is one percentage point lower than the previous record low in 1958.

There are several health benefits to participating in Dry January, including:

Increased energy levels

Lower blood pressure and heart rate

A decrease in liver inflammation

Clearer skin and decreased facial puffiness and bloating

A decrease in calorie consumption

It helps shift your perspective and understanding of your relationship with alcohol

There are many tips to help you succeed during Dry January, including:

Reduce your alcohol consumption by half before you start

Write down the goals you want to achieve and document your progress

Abstain from drinking alcohol longer if you can

Ease back into drinking alcohol if you choose to go back to drinking, and drink in moderation

Surround yourself with supportive friends and family

Be mindful of withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of withdrawal include:

- Abdominal cramping

- Anxiety

- Dizziness

- Headaches

- Nausea

- Shaking

- Sweating

- Vomiting

Avoid any situations that may tempt you to drink

Participate in hobbies and other interests that don’t involve drinking alcohol

Seek out extra help and resources if you need them

At Flushing Hospital Medical Center, our Psychiatry Department features a Division of Addiction Services where you or your loved one can receive comprehensive assessments and treatment for alcohol and chemical dependency. For more details about our unit, contact us at (718) 670-5693 or (718) 670-5540, or for additional information about our Reflections treatment program, please get in touch with us at (718) 670-5078.

Alcohol Addiction during the Holidays

Posted on December 17, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

There are plenty of occasions during the holidays to celebrate with an alcoholic beverage. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), there is a noticeable increase in alcohol consumption during the holidays, such as Christmas and New Year’s.

Studies suggest that there is a significant gender disparity when it comes to holiday drinking as men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and consume larger quantities of alcohol during the holidays. On the other hand, women may be at a greater risk of adverse health effects due to their typically lower tolerance for alcohol.

Binge drinking is also a significant concern during the holidays as individuals may consume excessive amounts of alcohol in a short time. This can lead to alcohol poisoning, accidents, and impaired decision-making.

Maintaining sobriety during the holidays can be challenging. Some helpful tips to help you abstain from drinking alcohol include:

Plan ahead
Seek support
Avoid Triggers
Focus on non-alcoholic options
Practice self-care
Develop coping strategies
Communicate with loved ones
Lend a helping hand

If you are experiencing an alcohol use disorder, Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Division of Addiction Services can help. To learn more about our Chemical Dependence Unit, a safe place to experience alcohol withdrawal, please call (718) 670-5693 or (718) 670-5540. To learn more about our Reflections addiction treatment program, please call (718) 670-5078.

3 Common Risk Factors for Addiction Relapse

Posted on May 24, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

People who experience an alcohol or drug addiction often relapse at some point during their path to recovery. Relapsing does not necessarily mean that addiction treatment has failed; however, it is a harmful and potentially life-threatening obstacle to recovery and should be prevented before it can occur.

Relapse typically occurs in three stages: emotional, mental, and physical. The emotional relapse stage occurs when you are unable to cope with your emotions in a healthy way. The mental stage occurs when you begin to experience cravings and consider the possibility of relapsing, which may involve glorifying past substance use and minimizing its negative effects. The physical stage begins when you give in to these cravings and return to substance use.

As the stages of relapse progress, you may find yourself increasingly vulnerable to certain risk factors that speed up the process. Some of the most common of these risk factors include:

Social pressure: A wide variety of social factors, such as peer pressure from people who use drugs or alcohol, interpersonal conflicts, and a lack of social support can all contribute to a relapse.

Environmental triggers: Physical sensations, such as scents, as well as certain objects or places that you associate with drug or alcohol use may induce or intensify cravings.

Insufficient coping mechanisms: Relapse often occurs when internal coping mechanisms fail to help you process the negative thoughts, emotions, and sensations you experience in a healthy way, making drug or alcohol use potentially seem like an easier way of relieving these pressures.

The best way to prevent an addiction relapse is to work with medical professionals that can give you the guidance and resources you need to stay sober and manage risk factors in a healthy, effective way. Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Division of Addiction Services can help through our Reflections treatment program. To learn more, please call (718) 670-5078.

Alcohol Awareness Month

Posted on April 5, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Alcohol consumption is extremely common in the United States, with nearly 80% of the population aged 12 or older drinking it at some point in their lifetime. Of this number, approximately 12.1% of men and 9.1% of women experience an alcohol use disorder, which is defined as an impaired ability to stop or limit the amount of alcohol consumed despite negative social or physical consequences.

Some of the primary risk factors for alcohol addiction are the amount, frequency, and speed of your alcohol consumption. It is generally recommended for men to limit their drinking to two alcoholic beverages per day and for women to only consume one drink per day. Frequently drinking too much and too quickly increases your risk of developing an alcohol addiction over time.

Other factors also increase your risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. These include:

Drinking at an early age: People who begin to drink before the age of 15 are over five times more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder than people who waited until the legal age of 21. This risk is higher for women than for men.

A family history of alcohol abuse: A combination of genetics and environmental factors, such as the drinking habits of one’s parents, contribute substantially to an individual’s likelihood of developing an alcohol use disorder.

Mental health conditions: People who experience mental disorders such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, particularly those who have experienced some form of childhood trauma, are at an increased risk of alcohol addiction.

While a serious and widespread problem, alcohol addiction is not the only dangerous form of alcohol misuse. Approximately one in six American adults engages in binge drinking, which involves consuming five or more drinks on one occasion for men or four or more drinks for women.

Excessive drinking of any kind, even when it isn’t related to an alcohol dependency, carries significant potential health risks such as:

Physical injuries due to vehicle crashes, alcohol poisoning, violence, or other factors
Sexually transmitted diseases
Unintended pregnancies
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Sudden infant death syndrome
Chronic diseases
Long-term cognitive problems

Alcohol Addiction During The Holiday Season

Posted on December 21, 2020 by Joann Ariola

During the season of merriment of the season, you may want to ask yourself, “How many drinks are too many?”

Answer: According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: men should not exceed four drinks per day or a total of 14 per week and women should not to exceed three drinks a day or a total of seven per week.

When following these guidelines here are some factors to consider:

.Portion size: Standard portions in the United States include 12-ounces of beer, 8-ounces of malt liquor, 5-ounces of wine and 1.5-ounces or a “shot” of 80-proof distilled spirits or liquor.

Alcohol content: There are differences in alcohol percentages between red and white wines, as well as between light beers and lagers.
Gender: Women have less body water than men and hence retain a higher blood-alcohol concentration than men from a single drink.
Food: An empty stomach speeds up alcohol absorption. Food slows absorption rates in men and women.

Remember, everyone metabolizes alcohol differently and moderation is key. Make smart choices when enjoying dinner or a night out with friends and NEVER drink and drive.

If you think you have a problem with alcohol, please contact Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Addiction Treatment Division at 718- 670-5486.

Signs of Alcohol Abuse

Posted on February 19, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Alcoholism is a disease that affects a person’s ability to manage their drinking habits (consumption of alcoholic beverages). It is estimated that over 15 million people living in the United States have an alcohol use disorder- which means their drinking causes distress or harm.

Alcohol abuse can lead to several medical complications including an increased risk of certain cancers, liver disease, digestive problems, diabetes, bone damage, heart disease and neurological disorders. It can also lead to dangerous and destructive behaviors which can negatively impact relationships, one’s personal safety as well as the safety of others.

There are warning signs and symptoms that are indicative of alcohol abuse; they include:

Drinking more or longer than intended
Having a high tolerance for alcohol
Drinking that leads to memory loss
Drinking daily
Consuming alcohol in places where drinking is inappropriate
Losing interest in appearance
Engaging in risky or unsafe behaviors
Losing interest in activities that were once of importance
Becoming defensive about drinking habits
Feeling depressed when not drinking
Experiencing mood swings
Denying alcohol abuse

Paying attention to these signs is important, as some are subtle and may go unnoticed. The sooner professional help is received, the better the chance of recovery. A trained addiction specialist or mental health professional can provide the support or assistance needed to treat alcohol dependence. Treatment may include a combination of medication and counseling.

To schedule an appointment with a professional that is highly trained in the treatment of addiction, please call 718-670-5078.

Alcohol Awareness Month

Posted on April 10, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. This observance was founded in 1987 by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Inc. (NCADD) to raise awareness and help reduce the stigma associated with alcoholism.

There are warning signs and symptoms that are indicative of alcohol abuse; they include:

Drinking more or longer than intended
Having a high tolerance for alcohol
Drinking that leads to memory loss
Drinking daily
Consuming alcohol in places where drinking is inappropriate
Losing interest in appearance
Engaging in risky or unsafe behaviors
Losing interest in activities that were once of importance
Becoming defensive about drinking habits
Feeling depressed when not drinking
Experiencing mood swings
Denying alcohol abuse