Over the past year, many people tried to cope with the pandemic through alcohol consumption. The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) reported December as the highest grossing month for liquor sales in their history with an 18.5 percent increase over the previous year. Gov. Kim Reynolds’ office reports a correlating 18 percent increase in alcohol-related deaths in the past year. “We are seeing this impact here in Manning with an increased wait list for admission to our Recovery Center with referrals from all over the state,” says Director, Taya Vonnahme. April is recognized as Alcohol Awareness Month and Vonnahme says the Recovery Center at Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is being proactive and participating in this initiative by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence in helping individuals struggling with an alcohol addiction through education and increased awareness. Vonnahme urges everyone to become aware of some of the most common warning signs of alcohol abuse, which include: temporary blackouts or short-term memory loss; irritability and extreme mood swings; making excuses to drink; choosing to drink over other responsibilities; becoming isolated or distant from friends and loved ones; drinking alone or in secret; feeling hungover when not drinking; changes in appearance; and changing friend groups. “If you feel that you have a problem, ask for help,” Vonnahme says. “Ask family and friends and reach out to your local substance abuse center or Iowa hotline for help. If families see a problem that a loved one does not, they may be able to get someone to treatment with a court order.” A self-test is available at the Recovery Center website, a link to which is included below, along with other important phone numbers.
Link to self-test at MRHC Recovery Center: https://manningrecoverycenter.com/know-the-signs/
Recovery Center phone: (712) 655-2300
Iowa Alcohol Hotline: (800) 331-2900
National Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)