Alcoholism is becoming an ever-growing issue. Did you know that 14.5 million people ages 12 and older have had some alcohol use disorder, and excessive alcohol use contributes to over 140,000 deaths a year in the U.S.? April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and we would like to use this time to shine a light on this massive issue that is plaguing people and families everywhere. We want to encourage reflection on the impact that alcohol can have on health, relationships, and your well-being. Alcohol use may be common in our society, but it is still important to recognize how drinking may be affecting your life and the lives around you. If you or a loved one is struggling with drinking, please speak to your MedNOW provider or call your MedNOW clinic. We would be happy to help those who are struggling to obtain the treatment they need. Did you know that we have great medications to curb cravings for alcohol? Naltrexone is the number one FDA-approved drug for this purpose. This once-a-day, generic medication reduces alcohol cravings by up to 90%! It also has very few side effects. There are other FDA-approved medications as well, and there are also over-the-counter herbal medications that help to curb alcohol cravings. If you have any questions regarding alcoholism or alcohol abuse, the CDC provides excellent information. If you think you or a loved one may have an issue with alcohol and need immediate help, please call the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Thank you for taking care of your health!